Starter roasts and kills all electrics on drive today,typical?

Does this happen often? I was only 2mi. from home, noticed distinct burnt electric motor smell hanging with me, just then I hear an odd screaching sound and next the motor dies! When I opened the bonnet smoke and a small yellow fire were at the front of the starter! I blew out the flame with my breath and called the tow truck.
I have been getting occasional problems with starter not immediately cranking, first couple trys clicking, for some months, but sporadicly. Is my problem in the key switch too? It cranked briefly as usual, sounded like 2-3 turns today before firing up. Is this kinda normally how these buggers fry out?

you probably need a new key switch, sounds like it is not returning back, causing the starter to stay engaged

Hey Chuck, the key did spring back after she fired up, it didn't grind after, and I was driving for about 2mi before it gave out. As I said I know it wasn't in best order but it worked 90% first time.

Hey Chuck, how ya doin'. I haven't seen you on here much anymore. I only resurfaced last june after sorting out a lot of life changing events. Not a lot of the old timers left on here. JDW surfaces now and then, but he prefers to go fishing for sea creatures that he cannot describe. Tom B pops up once in a while, but hard to get him away from the Memphis BBQ and night life.