‘I Couldn’t Get Up’: Dick Van Dyke Reveals What Happened to Him Three Days Before His 99th Birthday – Details

Just days before his 99th birthday, Dick Van Dyke had to be rescued by neighbors after struggling to evacuate from his Malibu home as the Franklin Fire engulfed the area.

Legendary actor Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, were among thousands of Malibu residents forced to flee their homes as the Franklin Fire spread rapidly, fueled by Santa Ana winds.

Their escape was captured on a Ring camera, showing the couple and their pets hurriedly leaving their home in the celebrity-filled Serra Retreat neighborhood.

Describing the moment he saw the flames approaching, Van Dyke said, “It was coming from over the hill. You could see it… And we got out of here.” However, his escape wasn’t without difficulty. Van Dyke shared that he exhausted himself while trying to untangle a fire hose in an effort to protect his home.

“I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up,” he shared. His struggle didn’t go unnoticed as three neighbors rushed to his aid, carrying him to safety. They later returned to extinguish a small fire that had started in Van Dyke’s guest house, ultimately saving it from destruction.

According to CalFire, the Franklin Fire, which erupted on Monday, December 9, rapidly grew to over 3,000 acres by Tuesday night. The fast-moving blaze, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity, and rugged terrain, prompted emergency evacuation orders for over 20,000 Malibu residents.

Officials reported that at least seven structures were destroyed, and eight others sustained damage. Firefighters battled the flames amid dangerous conditions, including wind gusts of up to 50 mph, which made containment efforts even more challenging.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone addressed the situation, saying, “Damage inspection teams have been assigned to the incident, and they will assist with a more accurate accounting of incident losses tomorrow.”

The wildfire affected numerous high-profile residents in Malibu, including stars like Mark Hamill, Barbra Streisand, and Cher.

Cher’s representative confirmed that she had evacuated early Tuesday morning, stating, “Cher was also required to evacuate her home and did so in the very early hours of Tuesday morning. She thankfully is safe.”

Actress Mira Sorvino also shared her experience on X, writing, “All my Malibu friends and neighbors I pray that you are safe. We evacuated in the middle of the night, kids and pets all accounted for! Scary times!!”

The Pacific Coast Highway, a vital route for locals and emergency services, was partially closed, with access restricted to residents and evacuees. Power outages affected large portions of the area, and several schools were forced to close due to safety concerns.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that federal aid had been secured to support firefighting efforts.

He urged residents to follow evacuation orders as the red-flag warning for high fire danger remained in effect. Fire officials warned that strong winds, dry weather, and rugged terrain could prolong containment efforts.

According to Joe Sirard of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, the red-flag warning was expected to remain in place through at least Wednesday, with the potential to be extended.

“It’s just a very dangerous situation. The crews are obviously doing their best to fight the fire, but it’s still hard to contain at this time,” Sirard said.

Firefighters and emergency responders faced an uphill battle as over 1,500 personnel were deployed to contain the wildfire.

The fast-spreading flames, rough terrain, and powerful winds made the task particularly difficult, and by the end of Tuesday, there was still no containment reported.

Despite the destruction of multiple properties, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, though a sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser was damaged in the blaze. Van Dyke also revealed that one of their cats, Bobo, had gone missing amid their evacuation.

“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,” he shared in a social media post.

This sparked an outpouring of support from fans and followers, who flooded the comments section with prayers and well-wishes. “Thank you for keeping your fans in the loop. We all pray for everyone’s safety, fur babies included,” a fan said.

“Pray you find your sweet baby! Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected. 🙏,” another commented. “Praying for your safety and that of the community. Here’s to Bobo’s safe return. 🙏🦋,” a user stated.

Someone else remarked, “How terrible these wildfires are. Hands go out to all of the Firefighters and First Responders for their aid. As well as the American Blue Cross. Praying that you and your family are safe, as well as your animals, Mr. Van Dyke. Prayers for the whole community. ✝️🛐♋”

“Please continue to be safe 🖤 really really hoping and praying Bobo is found and returned back to you 🫂🫶🏻❤️🥺 sending all my love and positivity your way!!!!” a supporter said.

Even Coldplay, who recently featured Van Dyke’s home in their “All My Love” music video, reached out to offer support. The band commented, “Dick – we’re sending love and prayers to you, Arlene, and everyone affected by these fires. Call us if there’s anything we can do. Love Phil, Chris, Guy, Jonny and Will.”

After returning home, Van Dyke shared the good news that Bobo had been found safe and unharmed. “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,” he wrote in an update.

For Malibu residents, the Franklin Fire evoked painful memories of the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which destroyed homes and displaced thousands of people, including celebrities.

The similarities between the two fires — both driven by powerful winds and dry conditions — left many residents reflecting on the past as they once again evacuated their homes.

Today, December 13, 2024, Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 99th birthday. Fans have been expressing gratitude not only for the veteran actor’s safety and the safe return of his pet cat, Bobo, following the harrowing ordeal with the Malibu wildfire.