STARTED VEHICLE, NOTICED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS SLUGGISH - STICKING UPON STARTING VEHICLE. APPROX. 5 SECONDS LATER VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN AND DASH BEGAN TO SMOKE INTENSELY, FILLING VEHICLE WITH SMOKE WITHIN 10 SECONDS. JUMPED FROM VEHICLE AND PUT OUT UNDER DASH FIRE WITH CUP OF COFFEE. FRIGHTENED CHILDREN BADLY.