A nurse and single mother of four has been left reeling after a fire tore through her home, leaving two of her children fighting for life.

Karah Perry, a registered nurse at Townsville University Hospital, was at home with her children when the blaze ripped through the family’s Gum Crt house at Bushland Beach, in northern Townsville, about 5.30am on Sunday.

Hallie, 2, and 13-year-old Evie — Perry’s youngest daughters — suffered severe breathing difficulties and were rushed to Townsville University Hospital in life-threatening conditions.

Two other children, aged 15 and 17, were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital in stable conditions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the family said Evie and Hallie remained in a critical condition.

“Our family is devastated by what has happened, and we are still trying to come to terms with the scale of this tragedy,” the statement said.

“She (Perry) has spent her career caring for others and is now facing unimaginable heartbreak, while also having lost her family home.

“The emotional, physical and financial strain on her and the wider family is overwhelming.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to allow Perry to focus on “being by her children’s side during this critical time”.

Fundraiser organiser Isabella Retallick said Perry was fighting for her children’s lives while also coming to terms with the loss of their home.

“As a single mother, Karah has always worked tirelessly to provide for her children,” Retallick wrote.

“Now, she is facing overwhelming challenges all at once: time away from work, temporary housing, replacing basic necessities, and the long road to recovery ahead for her children.

“Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference.

“Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation and is not being treated as suspicious.