A dramatic incident unfolded in Death Valley National Park last month when a truck carrying a massive 44,000-pound load of chickpeas caught fire. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on November 21st as the truck was navigating the challenging descent of Daylight Pass and Mud Canyon Road, a route explicitly prohibited for commercial trucks. Overheated brakes are believed to be the cause of the blaze.

The driver managed to steer the burning vehicle to safety on the level ground of CA-190, where responding agencies quickly extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported. Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds acknowledged the inherent environmental concerns with such incidents, but downplayed the risk of the chickpeas becoming an invasive species, given the park's extremely arid climate.

Firefighters battling the blaze after the chickpea-laden truck caught fire. (NPS/Brian Aillaud)

Towing company Two Star Towing efficiently removed the charred remains of the truck and cleared the scattered, roasted chickpeas from the scene.

The unique ecosystem of Death Valley National Park, thankfully unharmed by the scattered chickpeas. (iStock)

This incident is just one of several truck fires within the park this year. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, California Highway Patrol spokesman Torey Michener attributed such incidents to driver error, specifically, the failure to downshift and instead relying solely on brakes for speed reduction. Death Valley National Park spokesperson Abby Wines added that many drivers are unaware of the option to downshift, even with automatic transmissions.

The harsh conditions of Death Valley National Park, intensified by drought and extreme heat. (NPS/Hoerner, File)