"Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.

Wildfires have decimated more than 37,000 acres of the Los Angeles metropolitan area over the last several days, charring more than 12,000 structures, displacing over 150,000 residents and leaving at least 16 people dead.

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.

MORE: Heidi Montag, Cameron Mathison among celebs sharing damage from California fires Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference that despite prepositioning resources from Northern California,

Fox News chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt has the latest on the aftermath of the raging flames on 'Special Report.'

California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants President-elect Donald Trump to visit fire-ravaged areas in southern California to meet with first responders and residents affected by fires burning in and near Los Angeles County.

Gov. Gavin Newsom invited President-elect Donald Trump to California to survey the destruction of the deadly Los Angeles County wildfires, penning a letter Friday asking Trump to join him in meeting with victims and firefighters.

The California governor invited Trump to the fire-ravaged state in a post on Friday afternoon amid intense backlash.