Dick Van Dyke Rescued by Neighbors from Wildfire: ‘I Was Attempting to Crawl to the Car’
Iconic actor Dick Van Dyke has expressed gratitude to his neighbors for rescuing him from the wildfire that has been devastating Malibu, California.
In a Thursday interview with NBC’s “Today” show, Van Dyke shared that he was caught off guard when he noticed flames approaching his home during the recent Franklin Fire.
“I was not ready. I went outside, and it was chaotic. I ended up lying on the ground trying to untangle this fire hose while the fire was advancing over the hill. I exhausted myself. I forgot my age and realized I was crawling to escape.”
At 99 years old, Van Dyke encountered difficulties evacuating his home and shared that it was his neighbors who came to his rescue.
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“I was attempting to crawl to my car,” the “Mary Poppins” star recounted in the interview. “I had worn myself out. I couldn’t get up. Three neighbors came over, carried me out, and even returned to extinguish a small fire in the guesthouse, thereby saving me.
“I am incredibly thankful for them.”
“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our pets, except Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving. We’re hoping he’ll be alright and that our Serra Retreat community will endure these devastating fires,” Van Dyke wrote.
He later updated his original Facebook post, announcing that Bobo the cat had been found safe and sound with the help of Animal Control.
During his interview, the actor commended the firefighters for their remarkable efforts in battling the blaze.
“They got me out swiftly and started spraying water on my house right away, but the fire quickly overwhelmed them,“ Van Dyke said. ”Those firefighters must be exhausted; they deserve every bit of recognition they get.”
From NTD News
