THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN TO THE POST OFFICE. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE AT THE POST OFFICE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO BE CALLED TO FORCE OPEN THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WALL. THE USPS MOVED EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS TO THE REAR OF THE BUILDING FOR PRECAUTION OF EXPLOSION AND SMOKE INHALATION OF THE BURNING PLASTIC, RUBBER AND RELATED PARTS. IT WAS FORTUNATE I COULD QUICKLY PARK RATHER THAN BEING ON THE HIGHWAY.