A commercial truck hauling 44,000 pounds of chickpeas caught fire while driving through Death Valley National Park in California, according to officials. The incident occurred early on the morning of November 21, as the truck descended Daylight Pass and Mud Canyon Road—routes closed to commercial truck traffic—when its brakes overheated, igniting the vehicle. The driver managed to pull over safely onto CA-190 after reaching flat terrain, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Cause and Response
The National Park Service reported that the fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. Firefighters and multiple agencies responded promptly to extinguish the flames. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds noted that while such incidents always raise concerns about environmental impacts, the spilled chickpeas posed no threat to the park’s ecosystem. He jokingly remarked on the improbability of the chickpeas becoming an invasive species in Death Valley’s extreme desert climate, the driest in North America.
Towing service Two Star Towing quickly removed the wreckage and cleared the spilled chickpeas, ensuring the area was safe and clean.
A Growing Trend of Truck Fires in the Park
This incident is part of a broader pattern of truck fires occurring in Death Valley National Park. Officials attribute these fires primarily to driver error, such as relying heavily on brakes rather than using engine downshifting to reduce speed during steep descents. The challenging terrain and scorching summer heat of Death Valley—a region dubbed “a land of extremes”—complicate conditions for truck drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with proper braking techniques.
Maintaining Safety in Restricted Areas
Commercial truck traffic is prohibited on certain Death Valley roads, including Daylight Pass and Mud Canyon Road, to minimize risks. However, occasional violations highlight the need for heightened awareness and enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source:
https://www.foxnews.com/us/truck-carrying-44000-pounds-chickpeas-catches-fire-death-valley
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