1998 FORD EXPLORER SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT 8AM, 12/02/08. CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN 12 HOURS PRIOR TO INCIDENT. ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. DOORS WERE LOCKED. NO SIGNS OF ENTRY PRIOR TO INCIDENT. FIRE ENGULFED ENGINE AND SPREAD TO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BEFORE ALAMEDA FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED VEHICLE. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS CLAIMED VEHICLE AS TOTALED AND IS INVESTIGATING. SUSPECTED CAUSE IS CRUISE CONTROL SHUTOFF SWITCH, SUBJECT TO FORD RECALL 05S28. *TR