On Monday, December 9, a large fire erupted in Malibu, California, and quickly spread out of control. The fire has spread to nearly 4,000 acres, with firefighters battling the blaze day and night. Sadly, as of Wednesday morning, the massive fire was only seven percent contained, with more than 1,500 firefighters trying to contain it.
Malibu is not far from Hollywood, and being right on the water is one of the places big celebrities love to call home. That includes acting and Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke.
Related: Dick Van Dyke Gets Honest About Impending Death
Not long after the Franklin Fire broke out, evacuations were ordered. On Tuesday, December 10, Mr. Van Dyke shared on his Facebook page that he and his wife were safe, but they had also been ordered to leave their home. Sadly, Mr. Van Dyke was not able to escape with his precious cat, Bobo. He said that Bobo had run away while they were leaving.
Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires
Related: Dick Van Dyke Makes Television History at 98!
He also shared a video taken of Bobo walking around his garden and rubbing up against a garden decoration that looks just like one of the carousel horses that he rode in the iconic “Jolly Holiday” song from Mary Poppins (1964).
Mr. Van Dyke is not the only celebrity who has had to quickly evacuate their homes as the fire continued to rage. Singing superstar Cher’s publicist confirmed that she had to leave the area.
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill also sent out a message that he had been affected by the fires. While it does not appear that he had to evacuate the area, he did say that he was in lockdown. The Santa Ana winds are keeping the Franklin Fire alive, and have reached speeds of more than 90 miles per hour, making things exceptionally dangerous.
We’re in lockdown because of the Malibuy fires. Please stay safe everyone!
I’m not allowed to leave the house, which fits in perfectly with my elderly-recluse lifestyle.
According to Cal Fire, at least seven homes have been destroyed and eight more have sustained damage. 40,000 people are without power as crews work to contain the fire. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths caused by the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
We keep the people living in the path of the fire in our thoughts. If you live in the area and are ordered to evacuate, please listen to the authorities and leave immediately.
The post Raging Wildfire Forces 98-Year-Old Dick Van Dyke to Flee Home appeared first on Inside the Magic.
