Wildfire disaster in Canada: State of emergency declared

A state of emergency has been declared in Canada's Manitoba province following the death of 2 people and the start of evacuations due to rapidly spreading wildfires in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

According to reports in the local Canadian press, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew stated that a state of emergency has been declared in Whiteshell Provincial Park, which is located in the protected areas category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Emphasizing that the state of emergency declaration will help conduct evacuations more safely and combat the wildfires more effectively, Kinew confirmed that 2 people had lost their lives and extended his condolences to their families.

Kinew reminded that flags have been lowered to half-mast at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Calling on the public to comply with evacuation orders, Kinew said, "Even in an area without a wildfire, any fire that gets out of control can potentially divert resources away from the front lines where we need emergency assistance."

News Source: 12punto