Updated 6:30 p.m.
Cal Fire says one of its firefighters died Thursday morning while battling the sprawling Thomas Fire in Ventura County.
Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott said in a statement the fatality involved a crew member from one of the agency's San Diego-based units:
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. To that end, I can confirm a fatality of a CAL FIRE Engineer from the San Diego Unit has occurred. Incident Management Team 4, Cal Fire Local 2881 and Southern Region leadership are working to support the Unit and his family, who have been notified.
Pimlott later identified the fallen firefighter as Cory Iverson, 32, an eight-year Cal Fire veteran. Pimlott said Iverson is survived by his wife, Ashley, who is pregnant, and a 2-year-old daughter.
Gov. Jerry Brown issued a statement saying he and his wife Anne were saddened by Iverson’s “tragic death.”