South Dakota, Wyoming See Evacuations Due To Wildfires Erupting From Hurricane-Force Winds

Rapidly spreading wildfires have triggered evacuations in South Dakota and Wyoming, fueled by hurricane-force winds from a widespread storm system affecting the entire country.

According to the FOX Forecast Center, wind gusts reaching as high as 70 mph have been recorded in the Pennington County region of South Dakota, driving the rapid expansion of the wildfire.

Named the Greyhound Fire, the wildfire currently covers around 200 acres. As reported by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, it is actively burning between two and three miles south of Keystone while advancing in an eastward direction. (RELATED: Two Children Critically Injured By Falling Tree While Waiting For Bus During Powerful Winds In Idaho)

Both Highway 40 and Playhouse Road have been shut down to allow firefighting teams to focus on suppressing the blaze.

Residents along Highway 40 in the area between Playhouse Road and Rushmore Ranch Road have undergone evacuations, according to officials.

Officials are urging all individuals within designated evacuation zones to depart immediately. Authorities recommend that residents in the affected region monitor updates through the Pennington County Public Safety Hub.

Residents in the Winchester Hills subdivision of Cheyenne, Wyoming also faced evacuations because of a grass fire.

The FOX Forecast Center reported that wind gusts are reaching up to 75 mph in the region.

BREAKING: The Winchester Hills area south of Cheyenne and east of Interstate 25 is being evacuated due to a large grass fire moving rapidly through the area. The wind is gusting to 60 mph, and multiple fire crews are on scene. (Photo from our news partners at KGWN-TV) pic.twitter.com/2cw4O20qn5

— Wyoming Tribune Eagle (@WTEnews) December 18, 2025

A Fire Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), which notes that a shelter is available at South High School for residents who have been displaced by the evacuations.