DT:THE CONTACT STATED WHEN PLACING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SMOKE POURED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE QUICKLY ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. BOTH THE FIRE AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE DASHBOARD PANEL AREA AND STEERING COLUMN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THIS MAY HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK