More gales were forecast in the region until Tuesday morning.
Waikaia firefighters knocked out a fire in a line of trees, about 90m long, near the Riversdale-Waikaia Rd, after being alerted at 4.29pm on Monday, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said.
Firefighters from Riverton backed by water tanker from Otautau extinguished a fire in trees at Centre Rd, Ermedale, after being alerted at 5.37pm.
A power line had also fallen, and power authorities were alerted.
Waimahaka firefighters using a fire appliance and water tanker quickly extinguished a fire in a line of trees at Davidson Rd, Mataura Island, after being called at 7.52pm, she said.
A MetService forecaster said much higher winds were forecast overnight and on Tuesday morning, but winds gusting at over 30kmh and about 50kmh had been recorded in parts of Southland on Monday night.
More gales in Southland, heavy rain for West Coast
MetService has issued a strong wind watch warning for western parts of Southand, Fiordland and Stewart Island, saying north to northwesterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places from 11pm until 9am on Tuesday.
This active front was forecast to move northwards over the South Island, bringing periods of heavy rain to the West Coast, including Westland and Fiordland, and the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers.
MetService said a heavy rain warning was in place for Fiordland and north of Doubtful Sound from 11pm on Monday until 9am on Tuesday, with 70mm to 100mm of rain expected and possible thunderstorms.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips were also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
A heavy rain watch is in place for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers from 1am until 1pm on Tuesday.
MetService said rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria within 15km east of the main divide.
People were advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts.
- additional reporting ODT Online
