TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMALLY LOUD BACKFIRE NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROADWAY AND FOUND A SMALL FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A BLOWN SPARK PLUG THAT EJECTED FROM ITS HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 220,000.