Beloved Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, made a safe but dramatic escape from their Malibu home on Monday evening as the rapidly spreading Franklin Fire closed in on the neighborhood. The 98-year-old star of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show was seen leaving his hillside residence with Arlene, 52, just moments before firefighters arrived to battle the encroaching flames.
The Franklin Fire, which erupted over the weekend, has already consumed over 2,500 acres, with strong Santa Ana winds fueling its spread across the dry California terrain. Emergency services issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Malibu early Monday, prompting the Van Dyke household to take swift action.
Witnesses reported seeing the couple calmly but urgently loading essentials, including family keepsakes and a cherished photo album, into their car. Neighbors praised their composure under pressure. “It’s incredible to see how sharp and quick Dick still is,” one local resident shared. “He and Arlene were so focused on getting out safely, but you could see the concern in their eyes.”
The couple’s representatives later confirmed that they are safe and currently staying with friends in a nearby area. “Dick and Arlene are grateful for the firefighters risking their lives to protect their home and community,” the statement read.
Despite his advanced age, Van Dyke remains an active and adored figure in Hollywood, having recently made headlines for his cameo on The Masked Singer. Fans around the world expressed relief at the news of his safety.
As the Franklin Fire continues to blaze, authorities are urging all affected residents to heed evacuation orders and stay updated on the situation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but experts warn that the current dry conditions make the region highly susceptible to wildfires.
While the Van Dyke family awaits news on their property, the actor’s optimism shines through. In a brief statement to the press, he quipped, “It’s just a house; you can’t replace lives. We’ll be fine, and Malibu will bounce back like it always does.”
Fire officials remind the public to stay vigilant during wildfire season and have an evacuation plan in place. For real-time updates, follow local emergency services and download alerts for your area.
Let’s hope for the safety of all those impacted by the Franklin Fire and the dedicated firefighters battling it. Dick Van Dyke’s resilience reminds us that even in times of uncertainty, a little humor and perspective can go a long way.