Firefighter dies battling wildfire sparked by gender reveal

The death occurred Thursday as crews battled the El Dorado Fire

A firefighter battles a wildfire near a structure while defending the Mount Wilson observatory during the Bobcat Fire in Los Angeles, California (REUTERS)

A firefighter died battling a wildfire in the San Bernardino National Forest in California, the U.S. Forest Service said Friday.

The death occurred Thursday as crews battled the El Dorado Fire, the agency said in a news release.

The El Dorado Fire erupted earlier this month from a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device was used by a couple to reveal their baby's gender, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said.

The name of the firefighter was being withheld until family members are notified. The cause of the death was under investigation.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time," spokesperson Zach Behrens said in the release.

The wildfire has burned more than 19,000 acres (7,700 hectares) and was about 66% contained, according to Cal Fire.

Wildfires have burned more than 3 million acres in California this year and are blamed for at least 25 deaths.