Tents at The Oval city last year. Photo: ODT files

Police inquiries are continuing into a fire which broke out beside The Oval in Dunedin where homeless people often sleep.

A Fire Emergency NZ spokesman said two appliances, one from St Kilda and one from Lookout Point, attended the fire about 3.20am on Saturday.

They found a tent smouldering and put the fire out.

The fire was considered suspicious, the spokesman said.

Senior Sergeant Iain Notman said police were called to the incident and talked to a 65-year-old man who was attempting to put the fire out.

Snr Sgt Notman said inquiries were continuing.