The Californian hospitality industry is stepping up as wildfires rage across Los Angeles, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Numerous hotels are currently offering free or heavily discounted accommodations to evacuees forced to flee their homes, as well as first responders working hard to contain the spread.
Following the declaration of a state of emergency for the Palisades Fire on January 7 by Governor Gavin Newsom, California law restricts excessive price increases for essential goods and services, including hotel accommodations. Hotels are prohibited from raising room rates more than 10 percent above their average price for 30 days following the emergency declaration. This measure aims to prevent price gouging and ensure that evacuees are not exploited during this time of crisis.