Paradise: Before and after the town's wildfire destruction

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Burning sign saying ParadiseImage source, Getty Images
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Some residents who fled the town have described it as "apocalyptic"

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.

Ridgewood Mobile Home ParkImage source, Google Street View
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The scenic park, which had 97 plots, was built decades ago

Mobile home park burned outImage source, LA Times via Getty
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Reports say some of its elderly residents remain missing

The 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.

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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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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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An outside shot of Mama Celeste's restaurantImage source, Google Street View
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Mamma Celeste's was a local pizzeria that had only been open six months.

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Burned out wreckage of restaurantImage source, Reuters
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On its Facebook page its owners said they were grieving along with the whole town

Other premises destroyed include a church, a bowling alley, a museum and local fast-food chains.

Jack in the Box takeaway restaurantImage source, Google Street View
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The local Jack in the Box chain (photographed before)

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Jack in the BoxImage source, AFP
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The chain was among local businesses ravaged by flames

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Paradise Elementary School

One of the town's two elementary schools was totally destroyed by the Camp Fire.

A before shot shows Paradise Elementary School intactImage source, Google Street View
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Fire rips through school buildingImage source, AFP
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Wreckage of schoolImage source, AFP
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School officials have said children will be taught elsewhere in the county

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Burned out shell of school entranceImage source, AFP

Local roads

The town's Skyway road was the main route out for people urgently trying to escape the town as the fire closed in.

Screenshot of Skyway road as it ordinary lookedImage source, Google Street View
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Terrified evacuees have spoken of bumper-to-bumper traffic along its path

Abandoned vehiclesImage source, Reuters
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After the fire, hundreds of vehicles were photographed abandoned

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Abandoned and burned out car on side of the roadImage source, EPA
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Some of the vehicles were burned out completely