Relief Efforts Underway as Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles
As tens of thousands of people seek shelter from the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, the short-term rental site Airbnb has made free rooms available to evacuees, and major hotels are extending discounted rates to displaced residents.
Hotels and Airbnb Offer Relief
In response to the crisis, the Hotel Association of Los Angeles lists 28 hotels offering "relief accommodations" either through promo codes or a "medical rate." These hotels include The Biltmore Hotel in Downtown L.A., the LAX Hyatt and Hiltons near the airport, in the Valley and in DTLA. Many hotels are also taking in pets, said the hotel association.
Airbnb has also partnered with the city to offer free rooms to those affected by the fires. This move comes as a welcome relief to those who have been left with nowhere to turn.
Price Gouging Warning
However, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has warned hotels and other businesses against illegal price gouging. Under California state law, businesses are banned from raising rates for hotel and motel rooms and short-term rentals by more than 10 percent for 30 days after an emergency declaration by a state or local agency.
Eyewitness Accounts of Price Gouging
Some social media users have reported seeing price gouging firsthand. Faze Blanks, a Los Angeles-based actress, tweeted about hotels doubling their prices in safe areas during the fires. "We’re literally just trying to stay safe and you’re price gouging," she wrote.
The Situation on the Ground
As of Thursday morning, 130,000 people were under evacuation orders, and 350,000 didn’t have electricity. The Santa Ana winds that stoked the initial Palisades Fire on Tuesday sparked the Eaton Fire to the north of Pasadena, and the Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills.
Conclusion
As the fires continue to rage, it is heartening to see the hospitality industry come together to offer relief to those affected. While some businesses may be tempted to take advantage of the situation, it is crucial that they remember their responsibilities to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the current conditions on the ground?
A: As of Thursday morning, 130,000 people were under evacuation orders, and 350,000 didn’t have electricity.
Q: What are the current fire conditions?
A: There are five fires burning across 45 square miles of the greater Los Angeles area. Five people have died in the flames.
Q: What relief efforts are underway?
A: The Hotel Association of Los Angeles lists 28 hotels offering "relief accommodations" either through promo codes or a "medical rate." Airbnb has also partnered with the city to offer free rooms to those affected by the fires.
