Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford warned businesses not to engage in price gouging following Governor Joe Lombardo's declaration of a state of emergency in Washoe County due to the Hawk Fire.
Ford said his office received reports of price gouging in areas affected by the fire and reminded businesses that Nevada law prohibits excessive price increases for essential goods and services during a declared emergency.
Under Nevada's price gouging law, enacted in 2021, businesses cannot sell consumer goods or services in a disaster area at prices grossly in excess of usual prices. The law defines the threshold based on price: for goods or services up to $250, the limit is 15 percent above the usual price; from $250 to $750, the limit is 10 percent; and above $750, the limit is 5 percent.
Violations carry civil penalties of up to $15,000 for each offense, or up to $25,000 per offense if directed at an elderly person. Criminal penalties are also possible. The price gouging ban remains in effect through the end of the state emergency or disaster, or for 75 days, whichever comes first.
Residents who believe they experienced price gouging in areas affected by the fire can file a complaint with the Nevada Attorney General's Office.