The iconic actor Dick Van Dyke, now 99 years old, and his wife, Arlene Silver, recently found themselves in the midst of the fierce wildfires sweeping across Southern California. Despite the imminent threat posed by these fires, Van Dyke made the decision to stay in his cherished Malibu home. While many properties in the area have been severely damaged, Arlene shared during an Instagram Live session that their home has remained safe for the time being.
Challenges and Damage to Their Property
Arlene provided a candid update on the situation from her car, revealing that while their guest house had caught fire, the damage was fortunately contained. Unlike many others in Malibu, including several celebrity homes, they have not experienced significant destruction. However, the ongoing Palisades fire has had a substantial impact on their neighborhood, leaving them without power in their Malibu residence. To keep things functional, they have relied on a gas generator for electricity.
Choosing to Stay Amid Crisis
Despite the challenges presented by the fire and power outages, both Dick and Arlene have chosen not to leave their beloved home. Arlene noted that wildfires are not a new occurrence in the area, and Van Dyke, with his vast life experience, has faced such situations before. His calm acceptance of the circumstances speaks to his resilience and long-standing connection to Malibu.
Adapting to Life Without Power
The couple’s adaptation to the situation has been resourceful. With no regular electricity and no Wi-Fi, Arlene’s primary focus has been ensuring that Dick stays warm and entertained. They have been using a camper for cooking and charging their devices, a solution that has allowed them to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Arlene expressed that this home provides Dick with a sense of comfort that nowhere else can offer.
Van Dyke’s Strength During Difficult Times
Arlene reflected on the strength and resilience of her husband, remarking, “I can’t imagine any other seniors enduring this the way he does.” Despite his advanced age, Van Dyke has shown incredible fortitude, not only in dealing with the current crisis but also with a previous evacuation due to the Franklin fire. After that ordeal, he took to Facebook to reassure his fans, updating them on their safe evacuation and the well-being of their pets. His continued ability to stay calm and focused during such challenges serves as a testament to his remarkable character.
In conclusion, Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver’s ability to endure the wildfires, even without power and under difficult circumstances, speaks to their resilience, resourcefulness, and deep love for their home. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in even the most trying situations.
