He praised the two occupants for getting out quickly and calling 111, and for having working smoke alarms.
"They've done everything right."
He also had praise for fire crews, saying "damn good firefighting" also helped limit the damage.
He said he would continue his investigation into the fire today.
Papamoa Fire deputy fire chief Brent Sanford said the fire happened to fall on the Papamoa crew's training night.
Fire crews from Mount Maunganui, Te Puke and Greerton also attended, with seven fire engines in the small street at one stage.
Many neighbours came out - some to watch and some to offer the two occupants of the house anything they needed - clothes, shoes, a place to stay.
Fire investigators and an insurance assessor were at the property yesterday morning to establish the cause of the blaze.