Attorney General Miyares announces anti-price gouging statutes in effect
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia as multiple wildfires continue to spread across the state.
The State of Emergency went into effect on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.
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Firefighters push to stop the spread of a massive wildfire in Quaker Run, Madison County. As of Nov. 5, the fire had burned approximately 2,480 acres. (Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry) -
The Virginia Department of Forestry is helping local fire departments fight back a 20-acre wildfire in Madison County. (Photo: Virginia Department of Forestry)
“The Commonwealth of Virginia is experiencing multiple wildfires around the state due to extremely dry conditions and high winds, both of which are common during the ongoing fall
fire season,” Youngkin said in his executive order. “These fires have and may continue to pose a significant threat to public health and safety. Specifically, two fires- the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County and the Tuggles Gap Fire in Patrick County broke containment lines in recent days. As such, additional resources are needed to contain these fires and respond to additional fires as necessary.”
As a result of the executive order, Youngkin has ordered state agencies to implement the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan. Among other orders, the Virginia National Guard will be deployed to aid the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other local agencies.
The Virginia National Guard released photos of flight crews using two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to pour massive water buckets over the wildfires in Madison County.
According to Attorney General Miyares, Youngkin’s declaration has also triggered the state’s anti-price gouging statutes, preventing consumers from being forced to overpay during an emergency event.
“The anti-price gouging laws in Virginia safeguard Virginians from exploitation by bad actors during a time of crisis,” Miyares said. “Any violations of Virginia’s Anti-Price Gouging Act will be thoroughly prosecuted by my office.”
The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days from when it was announced. More information on the Quaker Run Fire can be found on the National Park Service’s website.
