Dick Van Dyke's Terrifying Escape from Malibu Fires Just Days Before Turning 99
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Dick Van Dyke, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show , has shared a chilling story of his escape from the fast-moving Franklin Fire that ravaged Malibu just days before his 99th birthday. The actor, who has already seen his fair share of wildfires in the area, found himself in a terrifying battle for survival as the flames encroached on his home.
The fire, which started as a small brushfire on Monday night, quickly spread across the hills near Van Dyke's mansion, threatening the lives of everyone in its path. Describing the scene to NBC, Van Dyke recalled how he had been attempting to manage his fire hose, which connects to his pool and can shoot a 70-foot stream of water. Unfortunately, in his rush to get to safety, the hose became tangled. Exhausted and unable to untangle it, he tried to crawl to his car, but the smoke and flames were overwhelming.
It was at that moment that three of his neighbors rushed to his aid. Van Dyke, drained from the struggle, could barely move but was lifted by his quick-thinking neighbors who carried him to safety. He described their actions as life-saving, stating that without them, he likely wouldn't have made it out. Not only did the neighbors evacuate him and his wife, Arlene, but they even went back to put out a fire in his guesthouse, ensuring his home wasn’t completely destroyed. "They saved my life, and they saved my house," Van Dyke said, clearly grateful for their bravery.
The couple, along with their pets, eventually evacuated to a hotel in Santa Monica for the night. But their ordeal wasn’t over. During the evacuation, their cat, Bobo, ran off in the chaos. Van Dyke took to Facebook to share his worry, asking his fans for help in locating their furry companion. Thankfully, upon returning home the following morning, they found Bobo safe and sound, much to their relief.
This close call with disaster came just days before Van Dyke’s 99th birthday, a reminder of the fragility of life, especially for those living in areas prone to wildfires. The Franklin Fire, which has now burned over 4,000 acres, has caused widespread damage, including the destruction of multiple homes in Malibu. Celebrities like Cher, Barbra Streisand, and Mark Hamill were also affected, and many others, including Van Dyke, have had to evacuate. Despite the terrifying circumstances, Van Dyke expressed his appreciation for the firefighters, praising their courage in battling the blaze.
In the midst of such a harrowing experience, Van Dyke’s resilience shines through. He survived this fiery ordeal, and even in his advanced years, continues to inspire with his spirit and the strength of community. As he nears his 99th birthday, the actor’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, and the incredible ways people come together in times of crisis.
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