Cessna 525 Captain reported rejecting the takeoff after experiencing directional control difficulties on the takeoff roll. Crew evacuated the aircraft after the Tower advised aircraft was on fire.

Narrative

Once cleared for take off; I began to add thrust and line up with centerline on the runway. I applied take off power once aligned with the runway and dropped my heels to the floor while on the rudder pedals; as I do for every takeoff. We began to accelerate down the runway; after the '70 knots cross check' call; and before the V1 call made by the Pilot Not Flying ; the aircraft began to pull to the left of centerline. As I began to apply more and more right rudder; I realized that I was losing directional control of the aircraft. I then began to apply brakes and reduce the power to initiate an aborted take off.At the same time all of this was happening; the Pilot Not Flying was calling V1. I did not rotate because I had already stepped on the brakes and began to pull the power back. Once the Pilot Not Flying called V1 and looked up; she questioned what was happening. I told her that I couldn't maintain directional control. She then took the controls and brought the plane to a stop on the runway. When she took the controls; I heard a loud pop shortly after. As we rolled to a stop; Tower called us and advised us that our aircraft was on fire and to evacuate immediately if able. The Pilot Not Flying and I then began the evacuation checklist; and I jumped out of my seat to open the passenger door. I opened the door and the Pilot Not Flying and I exited the aircraft.I learned that I must be quicker and more deliberate when it comes to a rejected take-off. The fact that my abort was a little slow and unclear caused some confusion in between the Pilot Flying and Pilot Not Flying.