Wildfire!

February 2024 marked the largest recorded wildfire in Texas history. The cause? Human negligence in maintaining power lines, including at oil and gas wellsites.

 The toll of this negligence was severe. Three lives lost. More than 15,000 head of cattle lost. Over 130 homes and business were destroyed. Over 1 million acres of ranchland was destroyed.

 As noted in the Texas House Investigative Committee Report on the Panhandle Wildfires, there has been increased wildfire occurrence in the Panhandle since 2006, partly due to inadequately maintained utility poles, and a “regulatory ‘no-man’s land’ [that] permits irresponsible oil and gas operators to neglect fuel loads and dangerous electrical safety problems”.

 The “Smokehouse Creek Fire” was started due to a decayed electrical power pole that fell and caused ignition to grasses around it. This fire grew rapidly, expending to more than 900,000 acres. About 80% of the entirety of two Texas counties was burned.

 The “Windy Deuce Fire” started at the location of an oil and gas pumpjack. Powerlines had been erected passing through the tops of trees. Typically, it’s not a good ideal to run powerlines through dry foliage. What seems obvious to people on the outside of the oil and gas industry sadly was not obvious to these folks. Over 140,000 acres were destroyed, as well as numerous homes.

 The “2277 Fire” also originated near an oil field location, which then grew and merged with the Smokehouse Creek Fire.

 Three individuals lost their lives due to cheapness and a desire to save a buck. Over 15,000 cattle died an agonizing death, or were later destroyed due to severe burns. And when these cattle died, decades of genetic work was destroyed with them. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Fire vehicles were lost. The economic cost is staggering, and will likely fall on taxpayers and insurance customers (i.e., all of us). Again, due to cheapness and a desire to save a buck.

 Sadly, accountability is hard to find. Even in the face of three human deaths, the parties responsible do not have the integrity to do the right thing. The power company that owned the electrical poles that caused the Smokehouse Creek fire initially denied ownership of their own electrical infrastructure. Later, in a gross effort to save face, they offered a “sincere apology”.

 The oil and gas operator responsible for the Windy Deuce Fire hid behind bankruptcy protection. A convenient way out, indeed.

 ERGF encourages you to review the Texas House Investigative Committee Report on the Panhandle Wildfires. You can find it HERE.

 We also encourage you to hold your elected representatives accountable. If you are not satisfied with the answers you are given, vote!