Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has expressed deep gratitude toward the South Florida community after a devastating fire destroyed his Coral Gables home on Thursday morning.
Spoelstra said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, speaking to reporters Friday.
I just want to thank everybody for this overwhelming support, Spoelstra said, via the Associated Press. The South Florida community has just been absolutely remarkable. People reaching out, wanting to help. Its obviously been something thats uniquely challenging for our family, but Spoelstras are resilient.
The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, with firefighters arriving to find two structures fully engulfed in flames. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a statement, The intense heat and a partial roof collapse forced crews to take a defensive approach, fighting the fire from the outside to ensure firefighter safety. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Erik Spoelstras house as Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived pic.twitter.com/ulTs71JHaF
Andy Slater (@AndySlater) November 6, 2025
Spoelstra was traveling with the Heat at the time, returning from a road game in Denver. The team landed in Miami around 5 a.m., after the fire had already been reported. Thankfully, no one was injured. His three children were at their mothers home, and the family dog was safely rescued.
Things in the house, those things can be replaced, Spoelstra said. And if they cant be replaced, what does it really matter? This is really what matters. Family, the closest ones our dog also was safe, thank God. Were just grateful that everybody is safe and in a great place.
Despite being offered time off, Spoelstra coached in Fridays 126108 win over the Hornets, explaining that his kids wanted to attend the game.
It just hit me, right now, after the game, he said. I just want to go home. My kids, were taken care of. I will see them tonight. But in a perfect world, Id rather go home.
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