In the wake of the Mountain Fire, which has destroyed hundreds of lives and burned around 20,000 acres, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is asking citizens to keep an eye out for and report suspected price gouging.
with order to provide state resources to aid with recovery efforts, California Governor Gavin Newsom last week proclaimed a state of emergency.
Unless there are special circumstances, California law forbids vendors from increasing the cost of necessities including food, fuel, medication, and lodging by more than 10% under a state of emergency.
According to officials, infractions may lead to misdemeanor charges, which include fines of $10,000 and jail time of up to a year.
In order to report suspected price gouging, residents should email the D.A.’s Office with specific details, such as the seller’s name, address, the product or service in question, and the price both before and after the state of emergency was declared.
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Since it started on November 6 near Bradley and Balcom Canyon roads in Somis, the Mountain Fire has scorched 19,904 acres and, as of Friday, is 93% controlled. The fire has damaged 127 buildings, destroyed 243, and injured six people, according to CAL FIRE.
The Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office are among the local organizations that will be regaining control of the operations, the state fire agency said on Friday.
