Malibu, CA – The Franklin wildfire, a rapidly spreading blaze that has engulfed parts of Malibu, has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, including beloved actor Dick Van Dyke. The Hollywood legend, who is set to celebrate his 99th birthday on December 13, confirmed that he and his wife, Arlene Silver, safely evacuated their Serra Retreat residence along with their pets.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Van Dyke shared the harrowing experience of leaving behind their $8 million home. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote, referring to their cat. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
Later that same day, Van Dyke posted an update with a video of Bobo, expressing his deep concern for the missing feline. “Hoping Bobo is ok,” he wrote, prompting an outpouring of support from fans. Many offered comforting words, with one commenter reassuring him, “Animals have incredible survival instincts. Bobo will find safety and then will find his way back to you.”
The Franklin wildfire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, has scorched significant acreage in Malibu, leading to widespread evacuations. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to contain the fire, which has already damaged several properties and threatens many more.
Van Dyke, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry known for roles in classics like Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, has long been a cherished resident of the Malibu community. His fans and neighbors alike have rallied around him, sending messages of hope and support during this difficult time.
As firefighting efforts continue, many residents, including Van Dyke, face an uncertain future regarding their homes and possessions. For now, the focus remains on safety and the hope that loved ones—both human and animal—can reunite after the crisis subsides.