When the North Valleys fires forced thousands of Nevada residents from their homes in recent weeks, the costs began piling up almost immediately, KOLO reported.
State officials said the governor's emergency declaration activated protections meant to keep businesses from profiting off evacuees' needs.
Here's what to know
Once Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared an emergency, Nevada's price-gouging rules went into effect for consumers seeking essential goods and services, according to KOLO.
Mark Krueger, Chief Deputy at the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, told the outlet that concerns over accommodation costs generated the largest share of complaints his office received.
He also said many motels and hotels, meanwhile, actually lowered their prices to help people displaced by the fires.
More background
Nevada adopted its anti-price-gouging protections in 2021 earlier in the COVID pandemic, when shortages pushed up prices for medical supplies and household necessities.
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"And it went on for quite some time, that emergency," Krueger told KOLO. "And there were certain supplies that were quite limited and the prices went up."
Keeping the measures on the books means that they can help protect residents from being taken advantage of in the aftermath of wildfires and extreme weather, when so many must find emergency shelter, food, water, and more.
What's being done?
The governor's emergency declaration has ended, but KOLO reported that people who think they were overcharged during the fires are still being encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Krueger said the law is meant not only to protect consumers, but also to encourage businesses to act responsibly during an emergency.
Where can I learn more?
Wildfires across the West have put consumer protections to the test, especially when evacuees need a place to stay on short notice. These stories look at how hotel pricing disputes and longer-running insurance problems can add to the hardship after people are forced from their homes:
• In Los Angeles, officials warned hotels against taking advantage of evacuees as wildfires spread.
• In Pasadena, California, the Langham Hotel agreed to refund guests after wildfire pricing drew scrutiny.
• In urban Las Vegas, homeowners saw wildfire denials soar as insurers tightened coverage.
The financial fallout from a wildfire often stretches well beyond the flames. That's why people end up critiquing lodging prices and insurance decisions long after evacuations begin.
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