The National Park Service (NPS) issued an alert to truck drivers traveling through Death Valley National Park after a recent truck fire.
Shortly before 8 p.m. on September 9, 2026, a semi truck caught fire while traveling on State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park in California.
Officials said that the truck’s brakes overheated as it descended the 5,000 feet from Towne Pass.
The truck driver was not hurt.
The driver was able to detach the truck from the trailer, which was loaded with emulsified asphalt, before it was completely engulfed in flames.
NPS said that eight semi trucks have caught fire on this section of SR 190 in the past three years.
In May 2025, a truck driver was killed in a crash caused by suspected brake failure in Death Valley National Park on SR 190 between Stovepipe Wells and Towne Pass.
NPS asked truck drivers to “properly maintain their vehicles, use appropriate braking techniques and understand the demands of their route before entering Death Valley National Park.”
“Commercial truck drivers should know about the steep grade well before they reach Towne Pass,” said Abby Wines, deputy superintendent. “Drivers need to determine whether their vehicle and load are appropriate for this route and, if necessary, choose an alternate route.”
