Florida home of former coach Lou Holtz destroyed by fire

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Former college football coach Lou Holtz and his wife Beth made it safely out of their $1.6 million Orlando home which officials say was

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Former college football coach Lou Holtz and his wife Beth made it safely out of their $1.6 million Orlando home which officials say was destroyed by a fire likely caused by a lightning strike.

The fire broke out early Sunday morning in the 11,000-square-foot home in the gated Lake Nona Gold and Country Club community, which is known for its multimillion-dollar homes.

Holtz told the Orlando Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1RvHEPs ) he was awakened by smoke alarms about 2:30 a.m. He says he tried to go upstairs to grab his wallet and cellphone but there was too much smoke. The couple called 911 and ran outside.

More than 60 Orlando firefighters responded.

Holtz, who coached at Notre Dame and South Carolina and retired in 2004, says he's thankful to have survived. He says lost about half of his sports memorabilia collection in the blaze.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/