A fire north of Lake Hindmarsh tonight is the source of smoke which spread across the district, fanned by windy conditions.

Significant lightning activity in the area this evening is the likely cause of the blaze, which was reported soon after 10pm.

The fire was under control quickly with some crews seen returning to base soon after 11pm.

Photo - the glow of the fire as seen from the top of a header cabin captured on a mobile phone.