Firefighters have managed to contain a blaze at a large house in Dunedin.

Crews were called to Carroll Street about 11.50am today.

An eye witness told the Otago Daily Times large flames had been coming out of the top of the building but the blaze had been brought under control quickly.

The house appeared to be divided into separate units, and was likely to be historic, they said.

At least two occupants who escaped the blaze looked shocked as the watched the fire, the person said.