Attorney General Ford Responds to Reports of Price Gouging in Hawk Fire Disaster Areas

Carson City, NV - Today, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford issued another warning to businesses after the Office of the Attorney General received reports of possible price gouging in areas impacted by the Hawk Fire.

On Saturday, Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the Hawk Fire rapidly spread and evacuation orders expanded. The declaration activates Nevada's protections against price gouging in the geographic areas affected by the emergency.

"My office has received reports of price gouging in areas impacted by the Hawk Fire. Nevada law is clear - businesses are prohibited from price gouging in disaster areas during a declared state of emergency. This includes excessive price increases for essentials such as lodging, food and gas," said Attorney General Ford. "These protections apply to areas impacted by the Hawk Fire. Our office takes these reports seriously, and we will take any necessary actions to ensure Nevada residents impacted by this terrible fire are not further victimized by bad actors. If you believe you have experienced price gouging in an affected area, please file a complaint with my office."

Earlier this month, Attorney General Ford reminded Nevadans that price gouging during a declared state of emergency is considered a deceptive trade practice under Nevada law. Nevada's price gouging law, sponsored by the Office of the Attorney General and enacted in 2021, prohibits the sale of consumer goods or services within the geographic area of a declared emergency or disaster at a price that is grossly in excess of the usual price for those goods or services.

The law defines an amount "grossly in excess" in relation to the usual price of the goods or services. For goods or services of up to $250, one cannot sell the goods or services for over 15% of the usual prices. From $250 to $750, the restriction is up to 10%, and for over $750 it is up to 5%.

The price gouging ban lasts through the time the state emergency or disaster is in effect, or until 75 days, whichever comes first. The punishment for violating the ban includes civil penalties of up to $15,000 for each offense, or up to $25,000 for each offense directed at an elderly person. The punishment can also include criminal penalties.

Nevadans who believe they have experienced price gouging in an area affected by the Hawk Fire are encouraged to file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General's Office.

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