Truck hauling chickpeas bursts into flames in Death Valley National Park

A truck carrying 44,000 pounds of chickpeas caught fire while driving through Death Valley National Park in California last month, park officials reported on Friday. The incident occurred as the truck was descending Daylight Pass and Mud Canyon Road, which is normally closed to commercial truck traffic. The brakes of the truck overheated, leading to the fire outbreak around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 21, according to the National Park Service.

Fortunately, the truck driver was able to pull over once reaching flat terrain on CA-190, and multiple agencies responded to the scene. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed concerns about the potential release of hazardous materials into the park during commercial truck accidents or fires.

Despite the fiery situation, Reynolds reassured that stray chickpeas left behind from the incident would not pose a threat as an invasive species in the dry environment of North America’s driest place. The charred wreckage of the truck was removed and the remaining dried chickpeas were cleaned up by towing service Two Star Towing.

This incident was just one of several truck fires that have occurred in the park this year, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. California Highway Patrol spokesman Torey Michener stated in July that truck fires are often attributed to driver error, specifically, riding the brakes instead of using the engine to downshift and reduce speed, which can lead to fires.

Steady drought conditions and record-breaking summer heat contribute to Death Valley’s reputation as “a land of extremes,” as highlighted on the National Park Service’s website. Abby Wines, a spokesperson for Death Valley National Park, emphasized the importance of drivers being aware that downshifting can help save brakes, even on automatic transmissions.

The safety of both drivers and the fragile ecosystem of Death Valley National Park remains a top priority for park officials. The swift response to the truck fire and the subsequent cleanup efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper maintenance when navigating through the unique and challenging terrain of the park.