The town of Paradise in Butte County in northern California has been engulfed by the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history.
Thousands of the town’s structures were completely destroyed in just a matter of hours as the blaze, named the Camp Fire, tore through the area.
Before and after images across the community show the extent of its destruction.
Local homes
The wooded community, set close to the Sierra Nevada mountains, was particularly popular among retirees.
The Ridgewood Mobile Home Park was among the areas almost completely flattened by the fire.
Image copyrightGOOGLE STREET VIEW
Image copyrightLA TIMES VIA GETTYThe town’s mayor has estimated that 80-90% of the town’s neighbourhoods were destroyed in the fire.
Some residents took to social media to share what little was left of their own homes upon their return.
Local businesses
Officials say that on top of thousands of homes, more than 250 local commercial buildings have fallen victim.
A local Black Bear diner was among the businesses destroyed.
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April 2018
On the diner’s Facebook page, its owners asked for people to keep the community in its hearts.
A local antiques shop nearby was also left as a burned out shell.
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April 2018
Image copyrightGOOGLE STREET VIEW
Image copyrightREUTERSOther premises destroyed include a church, a bowling alley, a museum and local fast-food chains.
Image copyrightGOOGLE STREET VIEW
Image copyrightAFP- source:bbc.com
