PE00020, TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TREAD ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. TREAD WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE AND SEIZED THE BRAKES, CAUSING A FIRE. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE, ATX, P235/75R15, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. FOUR OTHER PASSENGER'S WERE IN THE EXPLORER. NO ONE WAS INJURED. TIRE AND REPAIRS TO VEHICLE WERE MADE BY A FORD DEALERSHIP AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK