As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.
What was found
CLIMBING THROUGH 17000 FT CAPTAIN SMELLED SMOKE. A FEW SECONDS LATER FLAMES AND SMOKE STARTED SHOOTING OUT OF THE LOWER LEFT WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD HEAT SELECTED TO OFF AT THIS TIME FLAMES AND SPARKS STOPPED. EMERGENCY DECLARED AND RETURNED AT AVL (DEPARTURE AIRFIELD). MAINTENANCE INSPECTED AIRCRAFT DETERMINED CAPTAINS WINDSHIELD HEAT FAILED. REMOVED AND REPLACED CAPTAINS FRONT WINDSHIELD