A serious fire has caused extensive damage to an investment property owned by Australian influencer and entrepreneur Karina Irby. The 35-year-old founder of the Moana Bikini brand took to social media on Sunday to share images of the aftermath, confirming that her tenants—a couple and their two young children—managed to escape without injury.
Social Media Reveals Extent of the Damage
In a series of posts on her Instagram account, Karina Irby documented the fire's impact on the rental unit. The blaze appears to have burned through a large section of the property's ceiling, with one photograph showing it reached a recess housing the hot water system. A second image shared to her stories revealed plaster stripped from the ceiling, leaving behind large areas blackened by smoke.
"Well, our Sunday has been awesome," Irby wrote wryly in the caption of her initial post. In a follow-up, she stated, "Today we had a fire in our investment unit. Thankfully, everyone is safe, which is all that really matters."
Influencer's Emotional Response to the Blaze
The Gold Coast-based business owner expressed how deeply the incident had affected her, particularly given its timing and impact on her tenants. "Still, seeing the damage to a family's belongings, especially right before the holidays with two little kids, has really shook me," she confessed.
Irby used the moment to reflect on the unpredictability of life, sharing a poignant message with her followers. "I'm sharing this because life isn't always aesthetic and predictable. Real life happens in the middle of everything, and today reminded me to slow down, be grateful, and check in on the people around you." She concluded with a sobering thought: "Things can be replaced, but people can't, and I'm holding on to that today."
Property Background and Recent Real Estate Moves
While Irby did not disclose the exact location of the damaged property, the fire comes shortly after she secured a significant real estate win. Last month, she sold a beachfront apartment on Queensland's Currumbin Beach for $1.45 million, netting a substantial profit of approximately $250,000. She had purchased that two-bedroom investment flat, located in the Fletcher Building, for $1.2 million earlier in 2024.
That purchase itself made headlines in April when Irby jokingly told her Instagram followers she had "accidentally" bought the property, a light-hearted comment that drew criticism from some followers who argued such a transaction couldn't happen without deliberation.
The latest incident underscores the unforeseen challenges of property investment, even for successful entrepreneurs. The primary relief for all involved remains that the tenants and their children emerged from the frightening event unharmed.
