Rusty Dometic Pilot Light? What dangers lurk ahead?

Bringing a Tioga 26' Ford E350 back to life. Got the propane flowing. Stove works. Dometic fridge wouldn't fire. Interior fridge "function" lights come on as they should. Hear a click. Then the "CHECK" light comes on. Pulled the cowling from around the fridge pilot light and it was filled with flaky rust. Is that from a compromised "coil" or similar that creates the refrigeration? I didn't try firing it up again after clearing the pile of rust flakes as it was late.

Thank you.