NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE96058: ALLEGED POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURES
The power steering hose can rub against the battery terminal post of the starter solenoid.This can result in the hose leaking power steering fluid.As the hose is reinforced with braided steel wire, when the hose wears through, the braided wire can act as an electrical path and cause a direct short of the solenoid battery connection to ground.The failure can therefore provide both the fuel and the ignition source for a vehicle fire.
US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration