A fire that broke out in an abandoned building in the centre of Christchurch late this afternoon has been brought under control.

Photo: RNZ / Conan Young

The blaze in the four-storey warehouse closed part of Lichfield and Tuam streets, two of the city's busiest thoroughfares.

Seven fire engines, including one with a cherry picker, were used to battle the flames.

Fire crews will stay there overnight to dampen down hotspots.

Investigators will be at the scene tomorrow to try to find out what happened.

A Fire Service spokesperson said he was not aware if anybody was inside the building when the fire started.

The building is close to large office blocks but firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading any further.

It is in what's described as a rabbit warren of abandoned buildings in Sol Square, an entertainment district before the earthquakes.

Photo: RNZ / Conan Young