Violators of the curfew in the Palisades fire zone will be prosecuted.

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office is prosecuting two men for fire-related curfew violations while asking the public for help identifying potential price gougers.

City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto is suing two men in their mid-40s for violating the 6 p.m Curfew introduced on January 9th after the devastating fires in Eaton and Palisades.

The curfew was imposed after at least 20 people were arrested on suspicion of looting shortly after the fires began on January 7th.

The curfew was limited to “evacuation order” and “evacuation warning” fire zones in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

“This curfew was enacted to protect public safety, prevent looting and break-ins, and allow our first responders to continue their Herculean task of protecting our city and its residents,” said Feldstein Soto said in a statement. “My office will hold accountable anyone who violates this order.”

Charging documents state that both men were in a restricted area within the Pacific Palisades at 4:30 a.m. Saturday in violation of the curfew.

Each was charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in prison. Both pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and are due back in court at the end of February to announce their preliminary verdict.

Feldstein Soto said she also needs the public’s help to combat price gouging and asked anyone with a tip to contact her at [email protected].

According to the prosecutor’s definition, price gouging is an increase of more than 10% in the prices of goods and services, including essential items such as shelter, housing, food, water, clothing, and health and animal care.

Feldstein Soto said the county’s Jan. 7 emergency declaration made such actions illegal.

Price gouging violations are punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions, which include civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution.

“I am committed to using every resource at our disposal to help Los Angeles heal, recover and rebuild, which we as Angelenos have always done,” she said.