Strong winds have brought down power lines and re-ignited burn-offs causing numerous fires across the lower part of the South Island

The drama started about 10 last night with a fire at Three Mile Hill near Dunedin - and continued through the night as the winds moved up the country.

There are fires near Portobello, Fairlie, Waimate, St Andrews, Springfield, Sheffield and Methven.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Andrew Norris says it's been a busy night for both Police and Fire.

He says power authorities, roading contractors and council staff are going to be kept busy well into the day.