Paradise: Before and after the town's wildfire destruction - BBC News
Before and after images from Paradise show how homes, roads and local businesses have been destroyed.
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.

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.

The scenic park, which had 97 plots, was built decades ago

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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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.

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.

Mamma Celeste's was a local pizzeria that had only been open six months.

On its Facebook page its owners said they were grieving along with the whole town

The local Jack in the Box chain (photographed before)

The chain was among local businesses ravaged by flames

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

School officials have said children will be taught elsewhere in the county

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

Terrified evacuees have spoken of bumper-to-bumper traffic along its path

After the fire, hundreds of vehicles were photographed abandoned

Some of the vehicles were burned out completely