- Texas legislative committee to investigate cause of Panhandle wildfires (Texas Tribune, 3/12/2024)
- Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has initiated a legislative committee to investigate the Texas Panhandle wildfires for future disaster preparedness. The committee, comprising three lawmakers and two residents, will explore the causes of the wildfires, resource allocation, and the effectiveness of wildfire disaster preparedness. Recent investigations pointed to power lines as the cause of the Smokehouse Creek fire, leading to lawsuits against utility company Xcel Energy, with extensive damage to homes, livestock, and crops in the region.
- Public blasts Texas agencies, regulators for poor communication, oversight at wildfire hearings (Austin American-Statesman, 4/5/2024)
- The Texas legislative committee investigating the Panhandle wildfires criticized state agencies and regulators for poor communication and oversight during the public hearings. The hearings exposed a lack of trust between Panhandle residents and state entities, with concerns raised about utility companies’ responsibilities and inspection practices. Landowners, volunteer firefighters, and officials from state agencies testified, highlighting frustrations over past incidents and the need for potential legal changes following the wildfires.
