TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, SOMEONE SCREAMED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALERTED THE CONTACT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, SMOKE AND FLAMES SHOT OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO HAPPENED TO BE IN THE AREA, ADVISED TO OPEN THE HOOD SO THE BATTERY COULD BE DISCONNECTED. WHILE THE TECHNICIAN WAS DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND ASSISTED THE TECHNICIAN TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE OF THE CONTACT'S FRIEND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REQUESTED COPIES OF THE FIRE PICTURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.