Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke has chosen not to evacuate his Malibu home, despite the raging wildfires tearing through Southern California, according to his wife, Arlene Silver. During an Instagram Live session on January 12, Silver, 53, provided an update on the $8 million property she shares with the 99-year-old Mary Poppins icon. She confirmed that their home remains intact, even as the devastating fires have claimed several celebrity residences in Malibu and nearby areas.
Speaking from her car, Silver, Van Dyke’s wife of nearly 13 years, mentioned that while the guest house on their property did catch fire, the damage was minimal.
Despite the Palisades fire devastating much of the Pacific Palisades coastal community, Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver remain without power at their Malibu home, relying on a gas generator to get by.
Silver revealed that despite Malibu’s ongoing battles with natural disasters, she and Van Dyke have no plans to leave their beloved home. For the 99-year-old Hollywood legend, wildfires in Malibu are nothing new, as he has faced similar challenges in the past.
“Keeping Dick warm and entertained has been the two things that have been my top priority, so, you know, we don’t have power […] or regular electricity, so we don’t have Wi-Fi,” Silver said, adding that the pair have been relying on her camper to cook and charge their devices.
“Dick is more comfortable here than anywhere else. It’s easier to take care of him here.”
Silver added, “I don’t know of any other person of, you know, senior citizen age that would put up with this.”
Last month, only weeks before celebrating his 99th birthday, the Hollywood icon was forced to evacuate his Los Angeles residence as the Franklin fire came dangerously close to his home.
Fortunately, his neighbors rescued him from any danger. Following the scary evacuation, Van Dyke took to Facebook to reassure fans that he and Silver had safely escaped, along with their pets.
