Quick-thinking neighbors and sheer determination helped veteran actor Dick Van Dyke narrowly escape the raging Franklin Fire just before his 99th birthday.

As wildfires swept through Southern California, Dick Van Dyke shared his harrowing survival story during a December 12 MSNBC interview. His experience left netizens relieved yet filled with questions.

The Franklin Fire, driven by dry conditions and high winds, forced evacuations across Malibu, displacing many residents. “It was coming from over the hill, you could see it,” recalled Van Dyke, who just turned 99 on December 13.

Overwhelmed by approaching flames, the “Mary Poppins” actor struggled to escape his Malibu home of 40 years. “I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself and couldn’t get up,” he explained.

Fortunately, luck was on his side. Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me,” he said. The interaction with his neighbors was captured on his home’s Ring camera.

News of his escape prompted an outpouring of concern and love on social media. One user commented, “Poor guy, that’s just awful 😢.” Several netizens responded with relief after hearing about Van Dyke’s narrow escape from the wildfire.

Another wrote, referencing a beloved late Hollywood actress, “We can’t lose him, he’s our Betty White now.” However, some speculated about his wife, Arlene Silver’s, absence, “Where was his super young wife!?!”

Other users raised the same question about Silver’s whereabouts while her husband was escaping the wildfire.

Many expressed gratitude for the “Night at the Museum” star’s safety and concern for his cat, Bobo, while others questioned how the iconic actor was left alone during such a critical moment.

A netizen humorously compared Van Dyke to a cat with nine lives, marveling at his resilience and uncanny luck.

Amid the concern and speculation, a Facebook update provided relief. “Dick and Arlene were able to return to their home this morning. Thankfully, their home has been unharmed and Bobo the cat was safe. Thank you to everyone that has sent messages of love and support,” the post read.

The Facebook update came after Van Dyke shared an emotional account of their evacuation, including the moment their cat escaped.

Their residence in the celebrity-filled Serra Retreat neighborhood recently gained attention as the setting for Coldplay’s “All My Love” music video, in which Van Dyke appeared.

“I’m acutely aware that I’m, you know, could go any day now, but I don’t know why — it doesn’t concern me. I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling, totally against anything intellectual I am, that I’m going to be all right,” Van Dyke reflected in the clip.

According to USA Today, the Franklin Fire erupted late Monday, December 9, and quickly grew to over 3,000 acres by Tuesday night, with no containment reported by CalFire.

Over 20,000 residents in Malibu were under evacuation orders and warnings, with firefighters battling challenging conditions, including wind gusts up to 50 mph, low humidity, and rugged terrain.

Aside from Van Dyke’s home, the fire affected several high-profile residents, including Mark Hamill, Barbra Streisand, and Cher. Cher’s publicist stated that she evacuated to a hotel with her pets on Monday evening

According to Joe Sirard of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles at the time, a red flag warning would stay in effect through at least Wednesday, possibly longer, as strong winds persist.

“It’s just a very dangerous situation. The crews are obviously doing their best to fight the fire, but it’s still hard to contain at this time,” he said.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that initial assessments show at least seven structures destroyed and eight damaged, with further evaluations ongoing.

“Damage inspection teams have been assigned to the incident, and they will assist with a more accurate accounting of incident losses tomorrow,” he shared.

As fire officials worked to contain the blaze, Van Dyke’s social media post sparked support from fans, who thanked him for updates and shared hopes for everyone’s safety, including pets.

Users sent prayers for Van Dyke, his family, and the wildfire-affected community. Many hoped for Bobo’s safe return and praised firefighters and first responders. Another echoed a similar concern for Van Dyke’s safety, hoping for their pet’s reunion with the family and offering positive thoughts.

Continuing USA Today’s report, the fire also impacted Malibu’s infrastructure and daily life. Mandatory evacuations closed schools and disrupted power to large portions of the city. Parts of the Pacific Coast Highway remained closed, with access restricted to residents and evacuees.

Firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly, with over 1,500 personnel deployed to combat the blaze. However, containment efforts remained challenging due to dangerous conditions. Despite the risks, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, though a sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser was damaged by the flames.

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that federal assistance had been secured to support firefighting efforts. He urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as the red-flag warning for high fire danger remains in effect.

Malibu, an iconic coastal enclave, endured devastating wildfires in the past. The 2018 Woolsey Fire destroyed homes and displaced thousands, including high-profile residents, leaving lasting scars on the community.

For Dick Van Dyke, the Franklin wildfire brought a close brush with danger. Thanks to the quick actions of his neighbors and firefighters, his home remained unharmed.