Actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 99th birthday in good spirits, surrounded by his wife, Arlene, and their pets, following a harrowing evacuation due to the Franklin fire that threatened their Malibu home. This wildfire, which ignited on Monday night and expanded to an alarming 4,000 acres, forced thousands of residents in the area, including the beloved star of “Mary Poppins,” to flee.
Van Dyke recounted the tense moments as he battled to disconnect a fire hose while flames loomed closer. “I’m out there laying on the ground trying to undo this fire hose, and the fire’s coming over the hill,” he remarked, highlighting the concern for his safety amid the chaos. Fortunately, his quick-thinking neighbors came to his aid, helping him escape just in time. They even managed to extinguish a small fire at his guesthouse before leading him to safety.
In a fortunate turn of events, when Van Dyke and Arlene returned home, they were overjoyed to find their missing cat, Bobo, who had been lost during the evacuation. The community support was overwhelming, with Animal Control stepping in to help locate the feline, illustrating not only the challenges faced during the fire but also the solidarity among neighbors.
The outpouring of support extended beyond Van Dyke’s immediate community, as the popular British band Coldplay reached out with encouragement. In a heartfelt message on social media, the band expressed their love and prayers for Van Dyke, his wife, and all those affected by the fires. They highlighted the importance of community and friendship during such trying times, which serves as a beacon of hope.
This story emphasizes that even amid disaster, there can be moments of kindness and resilience, reminding us of the strength of community and the bonds that connect us. Van Dyke’s determination to celebrate his milestone birthday, despite the challenges, reflects a spirit of perseverance and gratitude that many can admire.