Dick Van Dyke thanks neighbors and good Samaritans for saving his life during Franklin fire

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) — Dick Van Dyke has a lot to be thankful for after celebrating his 99th birthday Friday.

The legendary actor was among thousands forced to flee after the Franklin Fire in Malibu threatened his home.

Fortunately, he was able to evacuate safely and he thanks those who helped save him and his house.

“These guys, I owe them my life and my home, so God bless,” Van Dyke said with his neighbors and good Samaritans at his side.

The Hollywood icon – famous for “Mary Poppins” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show” – knew she was in danger during the fire.

“I couldn’t get up and they had to come pick me up and carry me to the car,” Van Dyke told Eyewitness News. “They saved my house and my life, those guys. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even be here.”

A team of neighbors and good Samaritans rushed to the rescue as flames exploded all around.

“I’ll tell you, he’s a lot tougher than he lets on,” said Kirby Kotler, a volunteer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “I took him to the car and strapped him in, and he grabbed my arm and said, ‘Please don’t let my house burn down.'”

The crew used a neighbor’s fire suppression system and garden hoses to save the back room, which had caught fire.

“We saved his house, all the memories here. It’s important,” said neighbor Alec Gellis.

Their actions saved Van Dyke’s home full of Hollywood memorabilia and his many awards, including Emmys, a Grammy and a Tony.

Fortunately, he also found his cat Bobo, who disappeared during the evacuation.

Work continues in the Van Dyke neighborhood. He said he can’t thank his friends and neighbors enough for saving him and his home.

He’s looking forward to his next big birthday, but hopefully without the same kind of fiery drama. While he continues to dance well into his 100s, he said there are many more things he wants to do.

“It’s still not enough,” he said. “I need more time. I have plans.”