Man, 85, dies after Wilton Manors house fire; wife still critical

WILTON MANORS, Fla. — A Wilton Manors senior died after a fire tore through his home Wednesday afternoon, his son ― a fire captain ― confirmed. His wife remained hospitalized in Miami.

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Charles Bloch, 85, had been rushed to Broward Health Medical Center after the fire broke out at around 1:20 p.m. at his home in the 500 block of Northwest 21st Street.

6 p.m. report:

Laurie Bloch, his 71-year-old wife, was initially taken to BHMC but was then sent to Miami to be treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s burn unit.

One of Charles Bloch’s sons is a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue captain.

The couple’s two dogs remained unaccounted for on Thursday.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said Wednesday that the fire started in a converted carport.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause of the fire was electrical and no foul play was suspected.

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Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

Roy Ramos

Roy Ramos

Roy Ramos joined the Local 10 News team in 2018. Roy is a South Florida native who grew up in Florida City. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Homestead Senior High School and graduated from St. Thomas University.