Dick Van Dyke, just days shy of his 99th birthday, found himself in the harrowing position of fleeing the devastating Franklin Fire as it swept through Malibu, California.
The beloved entertainer and his wife, Arlene Silver, safely evacuated their home, but the journey wasn’t without heartbreak. During the rush to escape, one of their cats, an orange tabby named Bobo, slipped away.
Van Dyke shared the somber update on Facebook, posting a picture of Bobo wrapped in a purple blanket alongside a heartfelt plea: “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Despite the terrifying ordeal, there’s some solace in the fact that the couple’s home miraculously appeared untouched by the flames, even as neighboring properties were reduced to ash.
The Franklin Fire, ignited late Monday night, has rapidly grown from 100 to over 2,600 acres in less than 24 hours. Malibu’s affluent yet vulnerable coastline, dotted with celebrity homes, has become a flashpoint for disaster.
Iconic stars like Cher have also fled the inferno, with her publicist confirming she sought refuge in a hotel with her pets.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the safety of other residents like Barbra Streisand, Jonah Hill, and Julia Roberts, whose properties lie within the mandatory evacuation zones.
The wildfire’s swift and relentless spread, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, has overwhelmed firefighters. Footage from the area shows blazing hillsides, engulfed structures, and residents scrambling to evacuate.
The situation is dire, with no containment as of Tuesday morning, leaving over 6,000 people displaced. Even cultural landmarks like the Getty Villa remain at risk, their priceless antiquities shadowed by advancing flames.
Van Dyke, ever the optimist, expressed hope for his neighbors and community amidst the tragedy. “We’re grateful to be safe,” he shared, though the loss of Bobo looms heavy.
