The clean-up has started in a Norwich street that saw a devastating fire rip through a row of houses.

Firefighters were called to the incident involving four homes in Hall Road, Norwich at about 11.15pm on Monday.

Multiple properties were evacuated, but no one was injured.

Pip Long, 53, of Southwell Road, Norwich, has been charged with arson and appeared in Norwich Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Police were still at the scene on Wednesday morning, with safety officers kickstarting a clear-up operation.

One local living near the site of the properties - who has asked to remain anonymous - said the homeowners were all elderly, with two of the houses occupied by married couples. 

They are also believed to have lived in the street for more than 30 years.

"It's so sad," one on-looker said.

"Their lives have just been ruined. 

"All of those memories they had just gone like that."

Firefighters used hose reel jets and main reel jets to tackle the fire. 

The road was closed while emergency services attended the scene, including fire engines and an ambulance.