A South Australian boy hospitalised after he was found inside a burning car may have been playing with a lighter.

Emergency services were called to Gaplin St at Whyalla Stuart, about 233km northwest of Adelaide, just after 3.30pm on Wednesday.

First responders found a Holden Commodore sedan in flames and a four-year-old boy with burns to his face and body inside.

While the exact cause has not been determined, police believe the child may have been playing with a lighter.

They are not treating the fire as suspicious.
The little boy was flown by helicopter to the Women‘s and Children’s Hospital.

He remains in a serious but stable condition.

Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.