Please help me..Steering wheel is smoking

I have no idea what to do?! Yesterday in the middle of a rain shower I noticed a stream of smoke coming out of my steering wheel and when I turned the key to shut the engine off, it turned as usual and the key came out, but the engine was still running. A minute or so later with the key out of the ignition it turned off by itself. Also, my lights wouldnot turn off for about 20 minutes after the car was turned off. Usually the lights come on and off automatically, I do not have to manually turn them off. This was the weirdest thing ever and I have no idea what to do.. I have a 2001 Chevy Blazer. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thank you

Did the rain have something to do with it? Thanks again

If you had smoke coming from the dash/column area, then you have some serious wiring problems.  I would recommend that you disconnect the battery and start pulling things apart.  Start with the lower hush panel on the underside of the dash above the gas & brake pedals.  Follow that up with the upper and lower covers on the steering column.  Inspect all of the wiring VERY closely.  DO NOT attempt to start the vehicle or put power to it in any way until you find the cause of the smoke.

Yes, my friend's Cavalier had teh same issue several years back. I can't remember what exactly the issue was, but it is definitely a wiring problem. Have it looked at immediately.

I have a 2001 Chevy S10 Blazer also and have experienced
smoke coming from my steering wheel.  The first time it happened
it was raining and I questioned what I was seeing. The smoke
looked like the plume that comes from a cigarette left to burn.

I was a bit freaked out because I thought the airbag might
deploy.  Nothing happened until a few weeks later and
this time it was not raining and you could smell something
burning.

I am taking it to be checked out in a few days.
The mechanic said it may have something to do with the
turn signal wiring but it wasn't something that should
left unchecked.

I'll let you know the diagnosis.

Yeah there is definately some faulty wiring in there. It could be something with the multifunction switch failing but then you would also notice that your tailights/turnsignals may not be functioning properly. I would definately take the dash apart and lookg for burnt wires/burnt connections. If you can't find anything take it to a shop, cause that could be some serious ****. You dont want to loose controls while driving all of a sudden or have the airbag deploy. I would not turn on the electrical in the car till you find out what is wrong.
 
ALSO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, this is very important for your safety!!!!

1st thing look for a leak around the windshield get a water hose spray it around a see if ny water getting in . But i think it could be the ignition switch http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductList.aspx?parttype=410&ptset=A&searchfor=Ignition+Starter+Switch  . Becouse it stayed running when you turn it off . Had to replace the one in wife tahoe & multifunction switch both whet up in smoke

Lenny,

Thanks for the response.  I took the Blazer in today to have it looked at
and they could not find any fried wiring.  They did not take the steering
wheel apart where the airbag and horn are located.  They said if the problem
was within there, the cost to repair could run at least $1,000.

I might just go back to looking for a new vehicle....Not the kind of
shopping women enjoy

I know this is probably a dumb suggestion but do you think it could have anything to do with the wipers?  Both of you had this happen when it was raining so maybe check into that? IDK what to tell you.