Ventura County residents warned of Mountain Fire price gouging

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is urging residents to monitor and report suspected price gouging in the wake of the Mountain Fire, which has scorched about 20,000 acres and uprooted the lives of hundreds of people.

“Exploiting those affected by the devastating Mountain Fire for financial gain is illegal and will not be tolerated,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “I encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to our office immediately so we can undertake a review and investigation.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last week to provide state resources to help with recovery efforts.

During a state of emergency, California law prohibits sellers from raising prices by more than 10% on essential items, including food, fuel, medicine and housing, unless specific exceptions apply. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine, officials said.

Residents can report suspected price gouging by contacting the D.A.'s Office by email and providing detailed information, including the seller’s name, location, the product or service in question, and its price before and after the state of emergency was declared.

The Mountain Fire, which began on Nov. 6 near Balcom Canyon and Bradley roads in Somis, has burned 19,904 acres and is 91% contained as of Friday. The blaze has destroyed 243 structures, damaged 127 others, and caused six injuries, according to CAL FIRE.

On Friday, the state fire agency announced it would be transferring operations back to local agencies, including the Ventura County Fire Department and Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

For more information on recovery efforts, visit vcemergency.com or venturacountyrecovers.org.