A local state of emergency was declared for Whiteshell Provincial Park after out-of-control wildfires in southeastern Manitoba prompted a mandatory evacuation of the park.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says the province is declaring a state of emergency in Whiteshell Provincial Park due to wildfires. He says two people who died Wednesday in a fire in the eastern part of the province means officials are taking the danger seriously and want additional powers to enforce evacuation orders.