There was believed to be up to five occupants inside the house at the time.
Two trucks from Rotorua spent nearly four hours at the scene.
Mr Prescott said a fire investigator was determining the exact cause.
"This is a good reminder for people to check their smoke detectors and make sure they have working batteries in them," Mr Prescott added.
Fire crews have also been busy dealing with at least three scrub fires over the past couple of weeks near the wastewater treatment station off Te Ngae Rd. "We had two water tankers, three fire engines and rural fire attend," Mr Prescott said.
The fires were extensive.
"It appears they were deliberately lit and had the potential to have got out of hand.
"But luckily it rained a couple of days ago, dampening down the area."
Mr Prescott wanted to issue a festive reminder of the dangers of drinking, leaving the stove on and dozing off.
"It's best to get takeaway food," he said.
