A San Diego firefighter died Thursday while fighting the massive Thomas Fire tearing through parts of Southern California, according to fire officials.
“I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident. The incident is still unfolding, but in this world of fast moving information, it is important to me that only factual information be shared,” Chief Ken Pimlott, the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection wrote in a statement.
Leadership from CAL FIRE has reached out to the family of the deceased officer and said more details will be made public once they are confirmed.
"In the meantime, please join me in keeping our fallen firefighter and his loved ones in your prayers and all the responders on the front lines in your thoughts as they continue to work under extremely challenging conditions," the statement added.
The Thomas Fire has become the fourth largest wildfire in the state’s history and is only 30 percent contained.
