A man has been arrested for allegedly headbutting a firefighter who was helping put out a blaze in his attacker's car in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

Key points: The 37-year-old Seaton man is likely to be charged with assault and drink driving, police say

The 37-year-old Seaton man is likely to be charged with assault and drink driving, police say Police allege he got into a fire truck and attempted to put it into gear before an altercation

Police allege he got into a fire truck and attempted to put it into gear before an altercation The man's car was engulfed by flames but the MFS stopped the fire spreading

The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and police were called to the scene on Callanna Court at Craigmore about 4:30am and found the vehicle alight in the driveway.

Police said the fire was also threatening the property, and residents "retreated to the rear".

"A short time later, the owner of the car that was on fire made his way to the front of the house," police said.

"He jumped into the fire truck and attempted to put it into gear."

A firefighter confronted the 37-year-old man from Seaton in Adelaide's west, and was then headbutted.

Police said the MFS officer did not suffer significant physical injuries.

The alleged attacker is expected to be charged with offences including assaulting an emergency services worker, drink-driving and resisting arrest.

Firefighters were able to prevent flames spreading to the house, but the car was well alight when crews arrived and was gutted by the fire.

In a separate incident, a man suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds in Adelaide's north-east early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Reservoir Road at Modbury just before 3:00am and found the man, who is now in hospital.

Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Yesterday, a fire started by a barbecue caused major damage to a home on Brookfield Circuit at Northgate.

The MFS said residents left the gas wok burner unattended early yesterday afternoon.

The fire spread to the pergola and garage, damaging a new car and eventually spreading into the roof.

The estimated damage bill is $550,000.