Montreal — The forest fire raging in the northern Quebec region of Nemiscau, near James Bay, is gaining momentum.

The fire has eaten up 180 square kilometres of forest, and all access roads to the area have been closed.

Residents in the nearby village of Nemaska have been told to leave. The village is home to about 500 Cree.

Smoke from about 50 fires burning across the northern portions of the province can be seen in southern Quebec, Ontario and even in the state of New York.

"With the wind coming from the north, all that smoke and the smells that go with it are being carried to most parts of Quebec, those regions that are south of the fires," said Chantal Drapeau of the forest fire protection service. "Certainly, it is inconvenient and unusual, but we are trying to reassure the population there is no danger."

The Quebec forest fire protection service considers the situation critical, with the weather forecast calling for sun at least until Tuesday.

"There are many, many fires that are out of control, about 11 in all," Ms. Drapeau said. "The forecast is calling for nice weather through Tuesday, maybe even Wednesday, and they are even calling for stronger winds as of Sunday. So none of this helps us."

There is a fire ban almost everywhere in the province north of the St. Lawrence River.