SA youth charged over car theft, grassfire

A teenager has been charged with arson after allegedly torching a stolen car, sparking a grass fire in Adelaide's north.

The Toyota sedan was set on fire in a paddock early on Thursday morning, igniting grass and forcing authorities to evacuate a nearby house.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested by police late on Thursday and charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving unlicensed and arson.

He has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court on the January 20.