In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, there is a town on a ridge called Paradise. The area used to look like a forest, with homes nestled among tall pines and oak trees.
In just a few days, however, the landscape changed dramatically. The population of approximately 26,800 evacuated Paradise on November 8, 2018, when a wildfire ravaged the town and surrounding communities.
The fire burned for nearly three weeks, destroying 90% of Paradise. Eighty-five people lost their lives in the disaster. A year later, only around 2,000 residents live in Paradise. Many survivors now live in other cities and towns. Some people are still displaced and living in travel trailers.
The few residents who have remained or returned to Paradise are vehement about rebuilding the town and making it better and more beautiful. From home builders and house painters to a church pastor and football players, the people who still live, work or go to school in Paradise are, in their own way, restoring the heart of the town.
2019: Paradise, California, Camp Fire Recovery

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Valentin Martinez looks at what the remains of his home, where he lived with his wife and son. Fleeing the fire, he was able to save a few things: his mother's and father-in-law's ashes and a few photos.(Elizabeth Lee/VOA News)

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A building in Paradise burned by the fire remains, a reminder of the destructive force of the wildfire. (Elizabeth Lee/VOA News)

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The Camp Fire destroyed a McDonalds fast food restaurant in Paradise. (Elizabeth Lee/VOA News)

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A slab is all that remains of the Hornback homestead. Lori Hornback brought her two children home to this house after giving birth to them. She raised her family here and later, her grown son lived in this house with his wife. (Elizabeth Lee/VOA News)