President-elect Donald Trump launched a new round of criticism Sunday targeting Democrats over their efforts to tame the Southern California wildfires, ripping rival liberal leaders as “incompetent” witnesses to “one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country.”

President-elect Donald Trump has accused California Gov. Gavin Newsom of prioritizing environmental policies over public safety, and claimed that FEMA lacked the funds to respond to the crisis.

At least 16 people have died across the Los Angeles area in the wildfires. Officials have said the true death toll is not known as the fires continue to burn.

Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling multiple wildfires across Southern California, forcing thousands of residents to flee from their homes.

At least 16 people are reported to have died and over 150,000 residents have been forced to flee in the wake of raging wildfires in the Los Angeles region, as firefighters have struggled to contain several blazes that continue to be fanned by strong winds.