HAVING TURNED ONTO THE SUBDIVISION STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, MY HUSBAND NOTICED A CHEMICAL SMELL. HE ROLLED DOWN THE CAR WINDOW AND THE SMELL WAS MORE INTENSE, SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE .AFTER ABOUT 1/4 MILE DRIVE, HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE STREET TOWARDS OUR HOUSE, BUT HAD TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING. AT THAT POINT THE WINDOW STATED TO FOG UP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. HOWEVER HE DECIDED TO PULL THE CAR TO THE SIDE AND OUT OF THE STREET AND ONTO AN EMPTY LOT. THERE WERE POPPING SOUNDS AND HE SAW SPARKS COMING FROM THE HOOD. HE MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR JUST IN TIME TO ESCAPE THE ENSUING FLAMES. LUCKILY, HE WAS NOT DRIVING ON A BUSY STREET OR HIGHWAY!. THERE WAS NO WARNING RE THE FIRE AND THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED SO WHAT WAS THE REASON?