Xcel Energy Sued by Hundreds Over Devastating Marshall Fire

Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility provider, is facing another large lawsuit over its role in the 2021 Marshall Fire.

Nearly 250 residents and business owners filed a lawsuit in Boulder County District Court on Monday, alleging Xcel caused a variety of losses among plaintiffs.

‘Plaintiffs were damaged as a result of the Marshall Fire, including but not limited to suffering losses of real property and personal property, loss of use, evacuation expenses, loss of income, personal injury, and general damages, including emotional trauma,’ the complaint said.

The complaint accuses Xcel of inverse condemnation, negligence, premise liability, trespass, and public and private nuisance. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages.

Last month, Boulder County officials announced the findings of an investigation into the origin of Colorado’s most destructive wildfire. It showed a downed Xcel Energy power line was one of the causes, along with a smoldering debris burn at a separate location.