Iconic American entertainer Dick Van Dyke, just one day away from his 99th birthday, says quick-thinking neighbors saved his life during the Franklin Fire, which forced evacuations in Malibu this week.
“I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up,” Van Dyke recounted. “Three neighbors came and carried me out. They even came back to put out a small fire in the guest house and saved me.”
Fox News has additional details:
Van Dyke attempted to unsnarl his fire hose outside when neighbors showed up to assist him. He said that he could see the wildfires blazing over the hills from his home.
“It was coming over the hill. You [could] see it,” he told Today of the fire. “I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. And three neighbors came and carried me out… came back and put out a little fire in the guest house… saved me.”
In the background of the video, a voice added that Van Dyke was “soaking wet” when he tried to escape.
Security cameras surrounding Van Dyke’s home showed him evacuating with his wife Arlene and their pets.
Posting to social media, Van Dyke shared with fans that “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Fans responded with prayers and well-wishes for the legendary celebrity.
Van Dyke rose to fame in the 1960s with his Emmy-winning performance on The Dick Van Dyke Show, a beloved sitcom where he played Rob Petrie, a charming television comedy writer. His talent for physical comedy and likable charisma captivated audiences and established him as a household name. Around the same time, Van Dyke achieved cinematic success in films such as Mary Poppins (1964), where he showcased his versatility through his comedic turn as Bert and memorable musical performances, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), further solidifying his status as a family-friendly star.
In addition to his early triumphs, Van Dyke continued to evolve as an entertainer, earning accolades for his work in dramatic roles, such as the 1971 film The Morning After. His enduring appeal was reaffirmed with roles in later projects like Night at the Museum (2006) and his cameo in Mary Poppins Returns (2018). Over the years, he has also been celebrated for his contributions to the entertainment industry, receiving honors like the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021 and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
The Franklin Fire, driven by fierce 40 mph winds and extremely dry 5% humidity earlier this week, prompted evacuation orders and warnings for approximately 20,000 Malibu residents, including several celebrities.
While Van Dyke’s home and guest house were spared major damage, the fire has scorched 4,037 acres so far.
Thanks to a shift in weather, including rain and cooler temperatures, Los Angeles County fire crews have made significant progress in controlling the blaze. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the Franklin Fire is 20% contained and has shown minimal growth in recent days.
With containment efforts advancing, power has been restored across Malibu, and the danger to the city is beginning to wane.
For Van Dyke, the heroic actions of his neighbors may have been the difference between life and tragedy.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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I have faith in Christ Jesus…not in humanity. Thankful some people helped them.