A fire engine from Yosemite National Park was stationed at Death Valley National Park and used for this incident response while a Death Valley engine was receiving scheduled maintenance. Credit: NPS

June 28, 2026 - Death Valley, Calif. — Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on State Route 190 in Death Valley National Park on June 20, 2026. All six occupants escaped without major injuries, but the van and attached trailer were destroyed. 

The group were driving westbound up Towne Pass when the driver noticed the vehicle overheating. After stopping, they saw flames and smoke coming from the engine compartment at approximately 5:20 pm. They attempted to extinguish the fire with two fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. 

Temperatures were around 108°F as personnel from the National Park Service, California Highway Patrol, and the Beatty Volunteer Fire Department responded. Despite responders’ efforts, the van and trailer were a complete loss. 

Despite the loss of this vehicle, the vehicle occupants made a good decision to bring fire extinguishers on their trip. Find more safety tips for visiting Death Valley National Park, go to nps.gov/deva. 

Source: NPS