TOKYO - The wildfire in Ofunato city of Japan's Iwate prefecture is continuing to spread, with the burned area expanding to approximately 1,800 hectares as of 6 am local time on Sunday.

The fire, which began on Feb 26, has affected wide areas, with the spread intensifying north and west of central Sanriku-cho Ryoiri.

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One body was discovered in the Shoji district of Sanriku-cho Ryoiri, and at least 84 buildings, including homes, have been damaged.

Evacuation orders have been issued for some districts. As of 7 am local time on Sunday, 1,222 people were sheltering in evacuation centers and welfare facilities, according to national broadcaster NHK.

READ MORE: 4 people, including 3 kids, found dead after fire in Tokyo

NHK footage taken on Sunday morning showed white smoke rising from multiple locations, including the Ryoiri Peninsula, the border between Sanriku-cho Ryoiri and Sanriku-cho Okirai, and areas surrounding Akaishi-cho Aritashi.

Helicopters were seen conducting intensive water drops in the locations.