Old power lines plus climate change mean a growing risk of utilities starting fires

Texas investigators say the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest in state history, appears to be caused by a downed utility power pole. When it comes to increased risks of starting wildfires, Michael Wara professor at Stanford University says some utilities "are walking into a catastrophe." (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A power pole "that appeared to be decayed at the base."

That's what Texas state investigators now say appears to have fallen and caused the largest wildfire in the state's history. The electric utility - Xcel Energy - said in a statement that "its facilities appear to have been involved in an ignition of the Smokehouse Creek fire."