CAR STARTED CHUGGING IN CITY DRIVING, THEN STOPPED. SINGLE HISS AND LARGE PUFF OF SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PUSHED CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC AND GOT IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. THEY TOLD US THAT WE HAD A FIRE, CAUSED BY A/C HOSE BURST SPILLING FREON ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING FLASH FIRE WHICH BURNED THROUGH THE MAIN WIRE HARNESS AND BACK BANK OF PLUG WIRES. CAR DEEMED TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY AS REPAIRS WOULD COST MORE THAN $5000. *NM