Camp fire: Video shows 'firenado' raging during California wildfire

Footage of the terrifying spectacle was filmed by ABC7's Laura Anthony

A tornado of fire was seen churning in Butte County as the so-called Camp Fire ravages northern California.

The Camp Fire is spreading through the county at an alarming rate, forcing evacuations, injuring residents and firefighters, and sending people fleeing for their lives.

Footage of the terrifying spectacle was filmed by ABC7's Laura Anthony, who says she filmed the 'from a 'safe distance' near the town of Paradise.

Writing on Twitter, Ms. Anthony said: "From a safe distance...just shot this video of a FireDevil at the Campfire near Paradise."

Beginning at 6:30 am on Thursday, the Camp Fire had burned through 20,000 acres as of the afternoon, according to California Fire officials.

The fire is thought to have spread so quickly due to strong winds of about 50mph.

Scott Maclean, the state's forestry and fire protection spokesman said: [Paradise] is devastated, everything is destroyed. There's nothing left standing,".

A state of emergency has been declared for Butte County due to the effects of the Camp Fire.