A fast-moving grass fire that started at a landfill Saturday has at least a dozen families that have lost their homes and caused over 500 homes to be evacuated in Central Wyoming. 

Winds gusting up to 50 mph on Sunday pushed the blaze to the east and forced evacuations in the Evansville area. The fire started Saturday in a composting area at a regional landfill near Casper. On Sunday, the fire covered about 7,000 acres and destroyed about 15 homes.

The strong winds in the region for this time of year may have helped to ignite the fire.

About 120 people and 50 fire engines are fighting the blaze. Numerous fire departments from around the state are helping.

The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire, which remained 50 percent contained on Monday evening.