The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is asking residents to monitor and report suspected price gouging in the wake of wildfires that have burned nearly 20,000 acres and killed hundreds of people.
“Exploiting victims of devastating mountain fires for financial gain is illegal and unacceptable,” said District Attorney Eric Nasarenko. “We encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to our office immediately so we can begin an investigation and investigation.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last week to provide state resources to support recovery efforts.
During a state of emergency, California law prohibits sellers from increasing the prices of essential goods such as food, fuel, medicine, and housing by more than 10% unless certain exceptions apply. Violations could be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a $10,000 fine, officials said.
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Residents can report suspected price gouging by contacting the public prosecutor’s office via email and providing details such as the seller’s name, location, product or service in question, and the price before and after the state of emergency. can.
The wildfire, which started Nov. 6 near Balcombe Valley and Bradley Road in Somis, has burned 19,904 acres and is 91% contained as of Friday. According to CAL FIRE, the fire destroyed 243 structures, damaged 127 structures and injured six people.
On Friday, the State Fire Marshal’s Office announced it would transfer operations to local agencies, including the Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
For more information about recovery efforts, visit vcemergency.com or venturacountyrecovers.org.
