Problem Solvers: Price concerns rise as Central Oregon evacuees search for hotels amid wildfire evacuations
(Update: adding comments from Red Cross)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuations continue across Central Oregon, some evacuees say they were quoted sharply higher hotel rates while trying to find a place to stay after being forced out under Level 3 “Go Now” orders.
One Central Oregon couple and their pets spent six days at a Red Cross shelter after evacuating their home. They told The Problem Solvers that other families at the shelter said they were quoted as much as $750 a night for local hotel rooms. Those rates have not been independently verified.
Under Oregon law, hotel rooms can be considered an essential consumer service during an emergency, and a price increase of 15 percent or more may be considered excessive unless the increase is tied to verified emergency-related costs. But those protections apply only after the governor declares an abnormal market disruption.
The Problem Solvers asked the governor’s office whether that protection applies to the current wildfire situation, but have not received a response.
Isabel Anderson, American Red Cross Cascades Regional Communications Manager, said Red Cross shelters are available at no-cost for those needing a place to stay, and people do not have to stay overnight at a shelter if they do not want to.
“Just because you go to the shelter doesn’t mean you have to stay overnight. Just talk to our volunteers, get information about what’s going on, get a warm meal, get water, charge your devices, talk to one of our mental health specialists, and then go. But you’re also more than welcome to come in and stay the night,” Anderson said.
The Red Cross says not only are its shelters are free, evacuees are welcome to bring their pets.
“We will accommodate your pets, we will figure out something,” Anderson said. “We have partners we can work with. So please come and come with your pet. And we will take care of all of you.”
Anyone who suspects price gouging can contact the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 503-378-8442 or visit oregonconsumer.gov.
The Problem Solvers also reached out to The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) for comment, who provided the following statement post-deadline: “ORLA is not in a position to comment on the pricing decisions of an individual property or speculate about the factors that may influence rates at any given time. Hotel rates are determined by a variety of market conditions and business considerations.”
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