Austin American Statesman
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
By Clara O’Rourke and Patrick George
Staff Writer
The Texas Forest Service has determined the likely cause of the Bastrop Fires. According to its preliminary report, the 2 larger fires were caused by electrical lines contacting trees and sparking. The contact occurred when the trees fell because of high winds. As they fell, the trees struck the power lines.
Bluebonnet Electric Coop admits that its investigation also revealed that trees fell into the lines. However, it claims that the trees fell from a location outside its right-of way. (Inside the right-of-way the utility may clear vegetation to access its lines and to prevent any hazards.)
Bluebonnet raised the same defense in a lawsuit that was filed against it last year. The lawsuit concerns the fire that burned 20+ houses and 1491 acres in February 2009. The case is pending in the 355th District Court in Bastrop County. See “Bluebonnet Statement on Fire Lawsuit,” KXAN.com, Monday, March 29, 2010.
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