“General Hospital” issues content warning for house-fire-themed episode amid Los Angeles wildfires

As wildfires blazed across Los Angeles, General Hospital issued a content warning for Wednesday's scheduled episode and several subsequent ones, which depict the aftermath of a massive explosion that leads to an out-of-control house fire.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires currently raging in Los Angeles County," the long-running ABC soap opera said in a statement posted to social media. "In light of current events, today's episode of General Hospital (and several that follow) may prove too difficult to watch for some."

The statement urged viewers to "please keep this in consideration prior to tuning in."

Amid breaking news coverage of the fires, it was unclear whether or where Wednesday's episode would actually air. A representative for General Hospital didn't immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's request for comment.

Wednesday's episode had already been delayed a day due to the televised memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, who died last week. In the previous episode of General Hospital, which aired Monday, Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell) is shown idling in the penthouse of his adoptive father, Sonny (Maurice Benard). As he waits for Sonny and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) to show up, a massive explosion rips through the building, setting it all ablaze.

General Hospital previewed the shocking continuation of that scene Wednesday morning with a 15-second teaser showing the destructive fire, Michael's desperate hand reaching out through flames, and Jason holding Sonny back from risking his life for his son.

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Duell, a 14-year veteran of the sudser, announced his exit from the series in November.

"After many incredible years with General Hospital, I've decided to step away from the show. This wasn't an easy decision for me, but it feels like the right time in my life," he wrote on Instagram. "To all the fans: thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for letting Michael Corinthos be a part of your lives… This isn't a goodbye — it's a see you later."

The explosion set off on Monday's episode was preceded by an ominous ticking, indicating it may have resulted from a planted bomb. Michael has made plenty of enemies over the years, including his ex Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) and her new beau Drew Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison). Michael recently served Willow divorce papers and demanded custody of their kids, visibly angering the new couple.

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Mathison revealed Wednesday morning that his home had burned to the ground in the L.A. fires. "We are safe," he wrote alongside a video of the wreckage. "But this is what's left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday."

He added, "Sending so many prayers to everyone being affected by these fires."

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