Dick Van Dyke Details Narrow Escape from Malibu Wildfire

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, just days away from his 99th birthday, recounted the terrifying ordeal he and his wife, Arlene, faced as they fled the raging Franklin Fire in Malibu this week. The wind-driven blaze has devastated thousands of acres, forcing evacuations and threatening the homes of numerous celebrities.

Van Dyke described his dramatic escape to NBC News, crediting his neighbors for saving both his life and his home. “I wasn’t ready,” Van Dyke admitted, detailing his struggle to prepare a fire hose attached to his pool as the flames closed in.

“I exhausted myself trying to untangle the hose while the fire came over the hill,” he said. “I forgot how old I am and realized I was crawling to get out. I couldn’t get up.”

Key Moments From Van Dyke’s Escape:

• Neighbors to the Rescue: As he struggled to reach his car, three neighbors carried the actor to safety. They later returned to extinguish flames threatening Van Dyke’s guest house.

• Safe Evacuation: Van Dyke and his wife evacuated with their pets, though their cat, Bobo, went missing during the chaos. Van Dyke expressed hope for his pet’s safety and support for his community.

• Blaze Update: As of Thursday, the Franklin Fire had burned over 4,000 acres and was just 7% contained, driven by powerful Santa Ana winds.

Other notable residents of Malibu, including Jane Seymour and Cher, were also affected. Seymour shared images of the flames near her home, thanking first responders for their bravery. Cher’s publicist confirmed the singer had evacuated and was staying in a hotel, while Barbra Streisand, another Malibu resident, has not yet had to leave her property.

Van Dyke’s gratitude for his neighbors was clear: “They saved my life and my house.” His story is a reminder of the bravery and resilience of local communities facing these devastating wildfires.

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