Dick Van Dyke, the cherished actor renowned for his iconic role in Mary Poppins, was compelled to evacuate his Malibu residence when severe wildfires encroached upon the area.
At the impressive age of 99, Van Dyke found himself in a dire situation as the flames rapidly approached his home in California’s Serra Retreat.
During an interview with Today, Van Dyke recounted the terrifying experience of trying to escape as the wildfire closed in. “It was coming over the hill. You [could] see it,” he described, vividly recalling the fire’s menacing advance toward his home.
Resolutely aiming to get to safety, Van Dyke attempted to crawl to his car, but found himself quickly running out of energy. “I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up.
When a wildfire threatened his Malibu home, Dick Van Dyke expressed deep gratitude for the neighbors who helped evacuate him and his family. “And three neighbors came and carried me out,” he said, praising their swift assistance. Not only did they help him escape, but they also fought the flames, saving his guest house from destruction.
A video from the evacuation shows Van Dyke, visibly soaked from his attempt to flee, along with his wife Arlene and their pets. Security cameras captured their departure. Amid the chaos, Van Dyke reassured fans via Facebook, writing, “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be ok.”
The Franklin Fire, which started near Pepperdine University, quickly spread across 2,800 acres, forcing the evacuation of over 18,000 people. The fire’s cause is still under investigation. The evacuation comes at a time when Van Dyke’s legacy is being celebrated, with his home featured in Coldplay’s music video for “All My Love.”
