Horrific before and after images shows extent of deadly California wildfires

Devastating images have given a horrific glimpse into the damage caused by the California wildfires that have killed at least 10 people.

Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through various wine regions Monday (local time), destroying at least 1500 homes and businesses and sending thousands fleeing as flames raged unchecked through high-end resorts, grocery stores and tree-lined neighbourhoods.

The flames were burning "at explosive rates" because of 50mph winds but exactly what caused the deadly fires remains unknown.

The ferocity of the flames forced authorities to focus primarily on getting people out safely, even if it meant abandoning structures to the fire.

This combination of before and after photos shows Coffey Park, a large Santa Rosa subdivision of dozens of homes, that was burned to the ground. Source: LA Times

This combination of before and after photos shows Coffey Park, a large Santa Rosa subdivision of dozens of homes, that was burned to the ground. Source: LA Times

A firefighter sprays a Keysight Technologies building in Santa Rosa. Source: AAP

Mike Turpen, 38, was at a local bar when a stranger wearing a smoke mask ran in and yelled there was a fire.

"It was like Armageddon was on," Turpen said.

"Every branch of every tree was on fire."