Tail Light problems of the 2002 Ford Ranger

Ford 2002 Ranger driven by my minor son to school approx 3 miles. While stopped at a traffic light, a motorist behind my vehicle alerted my son the vehicle was on fire. My son and other motorist pulled into next available parking lot where the other motorist was able to extinguish the fire on the driver's side taillight with worl gloves. At approx 8:00 a. M. I drove the vehicle directly to original dealership to report the vehicle fire and determine repair cost and payment method (owner vs. Ford). Hall Ford could not initially identify why the fire started in the taillight and forward incident report to their regional manager, who in turn, forwarded the report to Ford customer service division. I received a letter from Ford customer service division on Nov 28, 2006 that suggested I go through my insurance company who could file subrogation claim against Ford motor company. The cause of the fire remains unresolved. There is no reason for a taillight to catch on fire unless there is material defect. Without the alertness of another motorist, the fire could have continued up the wire harness and pass the fuel nozzle.