Dick Van Dyke, 98, Narrowly Escapes Malibu Wildfires Thanks to Heroic Neighbors [WATCH]

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke, just shy of his 99th birthday, found himself in a life-threatening situation as the Franklin Fire raged through Malibu, consuming over 4,000 acres and forcing thousands to flee.

As Page Six reported, the “Mary Poppins” icon shared his harrowing story, praising his neighbors for their quick action that likely saved his life.

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Van Dyke, who was at home when the fire encroached, recounted the terrifying moments when flames neared his property.

“It was coming from the hill, you could see it,” he recalled. Struggling to untangle his fire hose in a desperate attempt to protect his home, the 98-year-old found himself overwhelmed.

“I was trying to crawl to the car, I had exhausted myself, I couldn’t get up,” he said. That’s when three neighbors stepped in, carrying him to safety.

In an incredible act of community spirit, the same neighbors returned to Van Dyke’s property to extinguish a fire in his guest house. “They saved me,” he stated, expressing deep gratitude for their courage and selflessness.

Security footage captured the dramatic evacuation, showing Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, fleeing their home with their neighbors’ assistance. In the chaos, one of their pets, a cat named Bobo, went missing.

Sharing their ordeal on Facebook, Van Dyke wrote, “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be okay and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”

Thankfully, their prayers were answered. Bobo was found unharmed the following morning when the couple returned to assess the damage. Van Dyke updated his followers with a photo of their beloved orange cat, saying, “We found Bobo as soon as we arrived back home this morning.”

The Franklin Fire, which began as a small brushfire on Monday night, quickly grew into an inferno, spreading beyond the Pacific Coast Highway. The blaze destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and even forced celebrities like Cher, Barbra Streisand, and Mark Hamill to evacuate.

Cher’s publicist confirmed she and her pets had safely checked into a hotel, while Hamill took to Instagram, writing, “Please stay safe, everyone! I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle.”

For Dick Van Dyke, the ordeal was a stark reminder of the importance of community and the resilience of those who come together in times of crisis. His story highlights not only the devastation caused by the wildfires but also the heroic efforts of everyday people who make a difference when it matters most.