In a heartwarming turn during the Franklin Fire in Malibu, neighbors rallied to save 98-year-old Dick Van Dyke as he struggled to reach safety.
A Star’s Desperate Escape
When flames threatened their Malibu home, Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene had to act fast. The iconic ‘Mary Poppins’ star found himself facing the inferno head-on. “It was coming from the hill, you could see it,” Dick shared on the ‘Today’ show. Panic set in as the fire advanced, leaving them with no choice but to flee.
Exhaustion took over. “I was trying to crawl to the car, I had exhausted myself, I couldn’t get up,” he recounted. Just when hope seemed lost, three neighbors stepped in. They carried Dick to safety, ensuring he and Arlene were out of harm’s way. Their quick actions not only saved Dick but also helped extinguish a small fire in their guest house.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Malibu isn’t just a haven for stars; it’s a close-knit community. During such crises, neighbors become lifelines. The Franklin Fire, known for its rapid spread, tested the resilience of everyone in Serra Retreat. Thankfully, many were accounted for, thanks to swift evacuations and neighborly support.
Immediate Actions Taken:
- Evacuation Plans: Homes equipped with clear exit strategies.
- Community Drills: Regularly practiced to ensure preparedness.
- Local Support Teams: Ready to assist at a moment’s notice.
This collective effort ensured minimal casualties and showcased the strength of Malibu’s residents when faced with adversity.
Pets in Peril: A Touching Reunion
Amid the chaos, not everything went smoothly for the Van Dykes. Their beloved cat, Bobo, disappeared during the evacuation. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” Dick posted on Facebook, expressing his worries.
Bobo’s disappearance added another layer of stress to an already tense situation. However, relief followed swiftly. Upon returning home, Dick and Arlene found Bobo safe and sound, thanks to Animal Control’s intervention. A heartwarming photo later showed Arlene cuddling Bobo, a testament to their bond and the community’s assistance.
Other Celebrities Flee Malibu
Dick Van Dyke wasn’t alone in his ordeal. The wildfire forced other celebrities to abandon their Malibu residences. Cher, the legendary pop superstar, had to leave her home in the early hours of Tuesday. “Cher was required to evacuate her home and did so in the very early hours of Tuesday morning. She thankfully is safe,” a representative confirmed to PEOPLE.
Similarly, actress Mira Sorvino shared her experience on X, formerly known as Twitter. “All my Malibu friends and neighbours I pray that you are safe. We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!” Her message echoed the fear and relief felt by many during the wildfire’s peak.
The Aftermath and Community Recovery
With the Franklin Fire eventually subdued, the focus shifts to rebuilding and supporting those affected. Malibu’s community is known for its resilience, and this event is no different. Local authorities and residents are working hand-in-hand to restore normalcy.
Recovery Efforts Include:
- Home Repairs: Assessing and rebuilding damaged properties.
- Emotional Support: Providing counseling and support groups for those traumatized.
- Fire Prevention Programs: Implementing measures to prevent future incidents.
The unity displayed during the wildfire sets a positive tone for the road ahead. As Malibu recovers, the bonds strengthened in the fire’s wake will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the community’s healing process.
