UPDATE - Authorities reopened Winchester Hills south of Cheyenne Wednesday evening. Residents were allowed to return home while crews remain on scene to put out any hot spots.

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Authorities identified South High School as the evacuation point Wednesday evening as emergency crews continued to battle a fast-moving grass fire threatening homes in the Winchester Hills area south of Cheyenne.

According to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and fire crews are actively working a large fire burning in the area between Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 85 and Terry Ranch Road. The fire prompted an immediate evacuation order for residents in the Winchester Hills area earlier in the evening.

Cheyenne–Laramie County Emergency Management issued the evacuation request as the blaze threatened structures amid extreme wind conditions. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, creating dangerous conditions and rapid fire spread.

Residents affected by the fire were instructed to evacuate immediately and travel to South High School, which has been designated as the official evacuation site. Law enforcement and fire personnel are assisting with evacuations and traffic control in the area.

The fire was reported near the fireworks stands south of Cheyenne along I-25. Emergency officials said additional updates, including shelter information and fire containment efforts, will be released as more details become available.

The evacuation comes as much of southeast Wyoming remains under high wind warnings, with officials urging the public to follow evacuation orders promptly and avoid the area while crews work to contain the fire.