California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned on Tuesday (7) about price gouging, which is illegal during a state of emergency.
“As high winds and dry conditions increase the intensity of the Palisades Fire, I urge Southern California residents to listen to communication from authorities and stay safe. California’s price gouging law protects people who have been affected by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food and other essential supplies,” Bonta said in a statement.
Under California law, people cannot sell essential products like food, medical supplies and gasoline for more than 10% above the original price before the state of emergency was declared.
And for people who only started selling these items after the state of emergency began, they are prohibited from charging more than 50% of what they paid for the item.
The law also applies to services provided after the disaster, such as repair services, cleaning fees, and transportation or accommodation costs. Violations are punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Earlier on Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and the city of Los Angeles.
Forest fires
The state of California has been hit by forest fires since Tuesday (7), thousands of people have had to leave their homes as the fire spreads and intensifies. The city of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency.
Videos show that many of the people who left the area were forced to abandon their cars as they tried to flee the coastal neighborhood between Santa Monica and Malibu.
The fire reached at least 5.1 square kilometers.
This content was originally published in California Attorney General warns against abusive prices during fire on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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