Massive Fire Hits Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra's Home

Merlin sees Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra’s home was heavily damaged by a massive fire early Thursday after the team’s road trip. Battalion Chief Victoria Byrd said firefighters found "two structures on the property fully involved" with flames "as tall as the trees," prompting more than 20 units to fight the blaze until it was contained; the house partially collapsed. Spoelstra arrived back in Miami just after the call and, fortunately, there were no reported injuries and nearby homes were spared. Merlin notes this is a personal hit more than a roster crisis — the coach’s wellbeing and focus matter to the Heat’s rhythm. With officials highlighting access issues ("only one point of entry") and fast emergency response, the club should weather any short-term disruption, though eyes will be on Spoelstra in the coming days.