Dick Van Dyke Says His Neighbors “Carried Me Out” During Malibu Fire Evacuation

Dick Van Dyke recounted his harrowing Malibu fire evacuation story on Thursday. The nearly 99-year-old said his neighbors helped carry him to the car as they watched the blaze approach.

The wind-driven Franklin Fire broke out late Monday night in the Malibu Canyon area. Van Dyke said he could see the fire from his house as they evacuated. Cher also evacuated, and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill noted he was affected as well.

“It was coming from the hill, you could see it” Van Dyke, who will turn 99 on Friday, told Today. “And oh my God. We got out of here.”

Van Dyke said help arrived while he was trying to unfurl a fire hose, because there was a “little fire in the guest house.”

He continued, “I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. Three neighbors came and carried me out.”

On Tuesday, Van Dyke told fans on Facebook that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, had safely evacuated with all their animals except for cat Bobo. He came back with an update on Wednesday, saying Bobo was found safe when they returned to their home.

The Franklin Fire has burned over 4,000 acres as of Wednesday night, with fire crews still mobilized to contain the blaze. Though Van Dyke seemingly lives in an area where it is safe to return, other parts of Malibu and Topanga Canyon remain under evacuation orders.