Business News, "Federal safety regulators investigating Ford Explorer fires, smoke"

A federal safety agency is investigating more than 100 complaints of fires or heavy smoke in some Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles after debris such as leaves enter the air ventilation system. About a million of the Explorers, from model years 1992 to 1994, are on the road.

There were 135 complaints of fire, smoke or burning smells after leaves, pine needles or other material entered through the Explorer's fresh-air vent, at the bottom of the windshield, a report released Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Two-thirds of the complaints involved fires or heavy smoke. "Dealers can only advise consumers to avoid parking under trees," the report said. NHTSA opens safety investigations with a preliminary inquiry in which the agency and manufacturer exchange paperwork, including any complaints.