A fire ban has been implemented for Alberta's entire forest protection amid scorching temperatures that have prompted heat warnings, strained crews battling out-of-control wildfires and forced the evacuation of a northern community.

The fire ban, which went into effect as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, covers much of northern Alberta and the eastern slopes of the Rockies.

Under it, all fire permits issued by the Alberta government are now suspended or cancelled, and all outdoor wood fires are banned, inclu…