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.