Dick Van Dyke, one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars known for ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’, faced a close call when neighbors and local volunteers rescued him from the Franklin Fire that threatened his Malibu home and his collection of entertainment awards.
The situation turned serious when Van Dyke tried to fight the fire himself. He put a fire hose in his pool to spray water, but while trying to untangle it on the ground, he ran out of energy and couldn’t get up.
The Franklin Fire had already forced 20,000 people to leave their homes, and now it was moving toward Van Dyke’s property.
Right when he needed help most, a team of neighbors and volunteers showed up, including Kirby Kotler from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Kotler shared what happened: “Got him to the car and buckled him in, and he grabbed my arm and he said, ‘Please don’t let my house burn down.'”
The team worked fast to save both Van Dyke and his home, using special fire equipment and garden hoses from nearby neighbors.
They reached Van Dyke’s property just in time, as flames had started to burn his guest house. The team worked hard to save not just the buildings but also Van Dyke’s special collection of awards – his Emmys, Grammy, and Tony – plus other treasured items from his long career in entertainment.
Dyke’s neighbor Alec Gellis put it simply: “We saved his house, saved all the memorabilia here. That’s important.”
The story had another happy ending when Van Dyke’s cat Bobo, who got lost during all the confusion, made it back home safe.
The Franklin Fire went on to burn more than 4,000 acres, destroying nine buildings – including four homes – and damaging six more houses before firefighters got it 42% under control.
Just after this scary experience, Van Dyke marked his 99th birthday on Friday. He shared a laugh about it, saying, “The funny thing is I’ve never met a 99-year-old person, so I don’t know how to behave. How do you act when you’re 99?”
Dyke also shared what he thinks helps people live longer – staying away from hate. “Haters don’t live very long,” he said.
Even at 99 and after such a close call, Van Dyke keeps looking forward with hope. “It’s still not enough,” he said. “I need more time. I’ve got plans.”
Dyke showed deep thanks to those who helped him: “These guys, I owe my life to and my house to, so God bless you guys.”
We thank God for protecting this beloved actor who has brought smiles to so many faces over the years.
Let’s keep praying for everyone affected by the Franklin Fire, especially those who lost their homes in this disaster.
WATCH: Dick Van Dyke Saved by Neighbors on his 99th Birthday
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