Dick Van Dyke, the beloved actor known for his iconic role in Mary Poppins, was forced to evacuate his Malibu home as fast-moving wildfires swept into the area.
At 99, Van Dyke faced a dangerous situation as flames rapidly approached his residence in California’s Serra Retreat.
In an interview with Today, he recalled the frightening moment the fire drew near. “It was coming over the hill. You [could] see it,” he said, describing how quickly it advanced toward his home.
Determined to get out, Van Dyke tried to crawl to his car but soon lost strength. “I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. And three neighbors came and carried me out,” he said, expressing gratitude for their help.
Those neighbors not only brought him to safety but also battled the flames and managed to save his guest house.
Video from the evacuation shows Van Dyke saying he was “soaking wet” as he tried to escape. Security footage captured the tense moments as he, his wife Arlene, and their pets fled the property.
Amid the ordeal, Van Dyke updated friends and fans in a Facebook post. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
The wildfire broke out late Monday as part of the Franklin Fire, which started north of Pepperdine University. By Tuesday, it had spread across 2,800 acres, forcing more than 18,000 people to evacuate and putting over 8,000 structures at risk. The cause remains under investigation by Los Angeles County fire and sheriff’s arson units.
Van Dyke’s escape comes at a time when his life and career have been widely celebrated. His Malibu home was recently featured in Coldplay’s video for “All My Love,” highlighting his lasting place in entertainment. In that project, he reflected on mortality, saying, “I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling, totally against anything intellectual, that I’m going to be all right.”
Others in the area, including Mira Sorvino, Cher, and Barbra Streisand, were also forced to evacuate as the fires threatened the neighborhood.
Messages of support quickly poured in on social media for Van Dyke, long seen as a symbol of resilience and optimism. Despite the danger, his focus has remained on his family, gratitude for those who helped, and the sense of community shown in a time of crisis.
As the wildfires continue to threaten the region, his escape stands as a powerful example of both personal resilience and the support of those around him.