House Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra was seriously injured Thursday morning in a massive fire, officials said. There were no reports of any injuries, and Spoelstra was not home when the fire started.
Miami-Dade County fire officials said the fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. Spoelstra and the Heat played in Denver on Wednesday night and returned on a charter flight to Miami didn't land until 5:11 am.
Spoelstra arrived at the house shortly after the plane landed and several fire crews worked to extinguish the fire. The video showed him walking as he watched crews battle the flames. Smoke was still billowing from the site more than three hours after the first fire engines arrived, but officials said the fire was contained.
Fire officials said more than 20 units responded to the fire and fought it on the ground and in the air. The fire did not spread to neighboring properties.
“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded with more than 20 units, including hazardous materials response, to combat this fire,” said Miami-Dade Battalion Chief Victoria Byrd.
“We found a fire that was as tall as trees. Our units arrived and did an excellent job… because of the fencing and the amount of trees, it was very difficult to access, with only one point of entry. The men and women of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were able to put this fire out and do the best job they could.”
Property records show Spoelstra bought the five-bedroom, six-bathroom home in December 2023 for $6.6 million. Local television reported that he had been renovating the building for a year and the work had recently been completed.
Spoelstra has been the Heat's coach since 2008 and led the team to a championship. NBA Championship 2012 and 2013.
