Central Oregon wildfire evacuee alleges hotel price gouging amid evacuations

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As thousands of Oregonians remain under evacuation orders because of this year’s wildfires, some evacuees say finding a safe place to stay has come with another challenge: expensive hotel rooms.

KTVZ News is looking into reports from wildfire evacuees who say they were quoted hotel rates hundreds of dollars higher than expected while searching for lodging in Central Oregon after receiving Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders.

Under Oregon law, hotel rooms are considered an essential consumer service during an emergency, and businesses are generally prohibited from charging “unconscionably excessive” prices after the governor declares an abnormal market disruption. In many cases, a price increase of 15% or more above pre-emergency rates may qualify unless the business can show the increase was caused by higher operating or supply costs. 

KTVZ News has reached out to the Oregon Department of Justice, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and locals for comment as we continue investigating the reports.

Watch KTVZ News at 6:00p.m. for the full story, including what Oregon’s price gouging law covers, what officials say consumers should do if they believe they’ve been overcharged, and what resources are available for wildfire evacuees seeking emergency shelter.