Wires for Water Heater Melted

[Steve '92ES]

If an element were bad and it was drawing too much it should have tripped the breaker. That's what breakers are for.
Where were the wires melted? Right near the connections Or further back?
How is the ground (bare or green wire) connected?

Solder connections are actually against code. Wire nuts are the preferred way to go, but make sure they are the right size. Those little yellow ones are too small for #10.

If you are unsure about this maybe you should have an electrician check it out.

[Mikes2nd]

was it a Rheem?