Amidst wildfires, General Hospital warns fans about upcoming episodes

When General Hospital planned its shocking fire story that left Michael engulfed in flames that left him with burns on much of his body, the writers had no way of knowing the episodes would air the same week some of the most devastating wildfires in California history would rage through Los Angeles.

General Hospital acknowledges fires

Michael was caught in an on-screen fire | Image Source: ABC

In light of the fires nobody could have predicted, GH issued a statement on social media about today's episode and episodes in the near future.

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"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires currently raging in Los Angeles County," the statement began. "In light of current events, today's episode of General Hospital (and several that follow) may prove too difficult to watch for some. Please keep this in consideration prior to tuning in. Thank you for understanding."

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In the story, a bomb was planted in Sonny's penthouse and went off with only Michael inside. The character caught fire and was rushed to the ER, where he was found to have third-degree burns on 40 percent of his body. The storyline was written to facilitate Chad Duell's exit from the soap after 15 years. The actor announced in November that he was leaving GH of his own accord after playing Michael since 2010.

The episode that aired on January 8, 2025, was originally slated to air on January 7, the day the real-life fires began. ABC pre-empted the episode for coverage of President Jimmy Carter's body lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.

Soap stars affected by the fire

The fires came close to Eric Braeden's home | Image Source: JPI Studios

While GH characters will be affected by the on-screen fire forever, so will some GH stars. Cameron Mathison, who plays Congressman Drew Quartermaine, reported that he lost the house he has owned since 2012. He shared a video of the devastation done to his home after the flames raged through.

Vanessa Marcil, who famously played Brenda Barrett on the soap, evacuated her home on July 7. It took her three hours to reach the Pacific Coast Highway with her family. Marcil also asked for people to watch out for displaced wild animals and to take care of their pets.

The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden also shared a video of the fire in the hills behind his property, illustrating just how close the fire was to his home.