This concerns my '84 VW Vanagon with 1.9L Boston Bob long block
(installed 2003, about 65K km traveled).  Van was driven only a few
blocks from home after not being used for since previous day.  Metal
engine cover kept flames from entering van, and fire dept had to lift it
up to quench fire with water spray from 1.75 inch line using water on
board fire truck.  Distributor was still rotating when fire put out and
had to have fire dept cut battery ground strap to stop it.  How much
damage to engine generally occurs in such events?  How should one test?
Compression test only or what else?  Do I need to worry about automatic
transmission?

All other components in engine compartment that were not metal went up
in smoke.  List vendors:  This is your opportunity to make some money.
Assuming engine is okay, I will have body shop remove everything from
engine compartment, repaint, etc.

Right now I cannot provide more details.

Thank you very much in advance.

John