Overheated brakes believed to be the cause of truck fire in Death Valley

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A flatbed truck caught fire while traveling down Towne Pass in Death Valley National Park, park officials said.

Crews from multiple agencies responded, but the truck was destroyed. It took 90 minutes for the first fire truck to arrive on the scene. The driver was able to escape unharmed.

DVNP

The National Park Service initially responded with an ambulance and patrol vehicles, but said it was unable to send a fire truck “due to staffing levels.”

Temperatures in the area were around 120 degrees Fahrenheit and authorities believe the brakes overheated and ignited.

DVNP

The fire happened on CA-190 between Stovepipe Wells and Emigrant Junction. It is the fourth vehicle to catch fire this year while traveling down Towne Pass.