Dick Van Dyke, 98, details escape from Malibu fire after trying to crawl to his car: 'I couldn't get up'
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: A massive wildfire in Malibu, which ravaged nearly 4,000 acres and triggered evacuations for over 20,000 residents, forced several high-profile figures to flee their homes, including Dick Van Dyke, Cher, Barbra Streisand, Ricki Lake, and Mark Hamill.
Amid the chaos, the 98-year-old Van Dyke shared a harrowing account of his escape, revealing how he attempted to crawl to his car before being rescued by a neighbor.
Dick Van Dyke shares harrowing moment of evacuation during Malibu fire
Dick Van Dyke, who will turn 99 on Friday, December 13, shared his emotional account of evacuating during the Malibu fire in an interview with 'Today' on Thursday. The fire, known as the Franklin Fire, ignited on the night of December 9 in the Malibu Canyon area and quickly spread beyond Pacific Coast Highway.
Recalling the terrifying moment, the nearly 99-year-old star said, "It was coming from the hill, you could see it. And oh my God. We got out of here." Van Dyke explained that while he was attempting to roll out a fire hose to contain a small blaze in the guest house, help arrived.
He recalled, "I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house."
The beloved actor gratefully acknowledged, "[They] saved me."
On Facebook, Van Dyke shared that while he and his wife Arlene managed to evacuate safely with their animals, one of their pets, Bobo, went missing during the chaos.
He wrote, "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."
An update on December 12 revealed that Bobo had been found safe.
"We found Bobo as soon as we arrived back home this morning. There was so much interest in his disappearance that Animal Control was called in to assist. But, thankfully he was easy to find and not harmed.," Van Dyke posted, alongside a photo of their furry orange feline.
Dick Van Dyke's fans praise actor's neighbors for saving him
Upon learning about Dick Van Dyke's evacuation and how his neighbors rescued him, several internet users quickly took to social media to share their comments.
One user praised the neighbors, "It is so wonderful when you have neighbors that care so much about you. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved there."
One remarked, "Omg so glad they saved him he is a national treasure."
Another fan hailed the actor's peers for their quick response and support during the ordeal, "Amazing neighbors."
One more person on Facebook, "SO glad he's ok! Love ❤️ this man! SO many years of entertainment he gave us!! SO talented!"
A person shared, "Glad he's safe , God is watching out for him" A Facebook user wrote, "So grateful he and his family (and Bobo of course) are safe. Good neighbor and thoughtful friends….that’s what it’s all about Charlie Brown—hope for humanity."
Another Facebook user said, “Thank you NEIGHBORS for saving this wonderful man.”
One fan of Dick Van Dyke, who remembered his upcoming birthday, claimed, “How aweful..he has a big bday coming. God bless his neighbors.”
Finally a user stated, "So grateful for his wonderful neighbors, and that he is ok, he is the Baby Boomers Icon!"
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
