A 21-year-old mother has died, along with the family dog, after escaping a unit fire in Buderim.
Emergency crews were called to a unit complex on King Street at about 7:30 p.m. on 19 July after receiving multiple reports of a blaze.
The woman, identified by her family as Isabella Nicholls, escaped with life-threatening burns. She was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition but later died from her injuries.
Isabella was from Kallangur and was the mother of a young boy.
Family remembers devoted mother
Isabella’s family described her as a devoted and loving mother. They also remembered her as a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
In a fundraising statement, the family said she died surrounded by relatives despite the efforts of the medical team. They remembered her as vibrant and kind and said her death had left the family heartbroken.
The family also spoke of her love for her young son, who will now grow up without his mother.
Five crews battle King Street blaze
Five firefighting crews spent more than an hour extinguishing the fire. The unit was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. Authorities evacuated the rest of the complex while crews brought the blaze under control.
Paramedics also assessed a woman in her 30s, but she did not require treatment. A dog also perished in the incident.
The unit suffered extensive damage. A charred motorbike was seen outside the property the next morning.
Investigations are ongoing
Neighbours said they heard screaming and other noise before seeing police and firefighters outside. Officials from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch said the scene was confronting for the emergency workers who attended.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, and Queensland Police were speaking with people who may help with the investigation. Officers were also examining whether accelerants were used or whether the fire involved suspicious circumstances.
The Department of Housing reportedly said it would support tenants affected by the fire. It also said it would assist authorities as they worked to determine the cause. Reports stated that the unit was last inspected in February and that a smoke alarm test was undertaken.
Published 21-July-2026