Dick Van Dyke evacuated from his home during horrifying Malibu wildfires

Veteran entertainer Dick Van Dyke was one of thousands of people displaced amid the "particularly dangerous" wildfires which have roared through land near Malibu in California

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke and wife Arlene Silver have been safely evacuated from their California home amid horrifying wildfires.

The 98-year-old actor, who has won a Grammy and a Golden Globe Award, reassured fans he and Arlene are unharmed following the dramatic rescue. Thousands of residents across Malibu have been evacuated amid a "particularly dangerous red flag warning" as the wildfires, which started on Monday night, have ravaged more than 2,700 acres.

But Mary Poppins icon Van Dyke did concede Bobo, thought to be one his cats, is missing and he and Arlene are "praying" he'll survive the ordeal. The entertainer said on Facebook: "Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving," lamenting their lost pet. "We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires."

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said intense winds across the region saw the fires spread rapidly. Compulsory evacuation orders were issued by the City of Malibu.

Van Dyke, who married Arlene in 2012, celebrates his 99th birthday on Friday. He has marked this, he says, by starring in Coldplay’s music video for All My Love, part of the band's tenth studio album, Moon Music. The poignant video was filmed at the father of four's now-threatened Malibu residence.

Van Dyke, whose career has spanned seven decades, won his Grammy for his performance in Mary Poppins in 1964. He's garnered multiple other accolades, such as four Emmys, and a Tony for his performance in Bye Bye Birdie in 1961. Celebrated by the Television Hall Of Fame in 1995, his name is also immortalised on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The National Weather Service's Los Angeles office has sounded the alarm with a rare red flag weather warning, signalling a "particularly dangerous situation" and "very extreme fire danger" until Wednesday morning. Power cuts have plunged much of Malibu into darkness to mitigate wildfire risks, and all local schools have shut their doors on Tuesday "until further notice", as per the city's latest briefing.

Governor Newsom, addressing the severity of the Franklin Fire, stated: "Fire officials and first responders are working relentlessly to protect lives and property from the Franklin Fire. California is grateful for this federal support, which bolsters these efforts. I urge all residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders."