> I've heard about engine fires in volkswagon vans, I've never had such a
> problem but I'm concerned about the possibility.  How does it usually
> happen? And how do I avoid it?

The most common cause is leaking fuel lines... fuel hitting the hot exhaust
pipes.
To compound the problem the engine is in the rear and from what I've read
here on the list it is typical for the fire to go unnoticed for a while....
The typical result is that the van is totaled!

The moral of the story is to change those fuel hoses.... all of them.... Ken
Wilfey sells a kit to do that... www.vanagain.com

Also, carry a good fire extinguisher and know how to use it.

Bill