Ignition spontaneously acts like it's "on"...how to access switch?

[mmc757]

06 fleetwood south wind 8.1l.
Minding our own business in the campground...keys safely stowed away in the cabinet...the dash lights up and brakes charge up as if the key were switched to the on position!
WTH?
Tried cycling the key, starting it up and shutting back down...nothing.
The dash is still lit up!
I tried cracking open the steering column to get to the ignition switch but I'm stuck at the key slot bezel on the right, and the column position lever on the left.
How the heck do I get the plastic shroud off at these places?
And any thoughts about the spontaneous dash lights?

[BFlinn181]

Do you feel heat at the key? I'd look elsewhere for the issue. Start by pulling chassis fuses and relays.