Magnesium is getting ever more common in cars nowadays. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it in the housing/mount for the steering column.
The Magnesium was burning but what exploded was the Hydrogen gas that was liberated from the water due to the intense heat of the fire. Hydrogen will be generated from the oxidation of the Magnesium in the high temperatures in the presence of water. 1 H2O + 1 Mg -> 1 MgO + 1 H2. Steam also starts decomposing into H2 and O2 gasses at high temperatures (Fukushima nuclear power plant explosions). The white flares coming from the explosion sure look like burning Magnesium to me. Here the first reaction created the H2 and the outside air then provided the oxygen to ignite the clound when in the presense of the intense heat of the burning Magnesium.
Regardless, that fireman is amazing in his ability to take the explosion without a flinch. 
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1971 911S, 2.7RS spec MFI engine, suspension mods, lightened
Suspension by Rebel Racing, Serviced by TLG Auto, Brakes by PMB Performance
Last edited by Flieger; 09-09-2011 at 09:08 PM..
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