LA fires prompt General Hospital to issue content warning for viewers

General Hospital issued a content warning for viewers ahead of airing episodes that portray a house fire amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires throughout Southern California.

The long-running soap opera shared the advisory to its main Instagram page - not long after cast member, Cameron Mathison, revealed that his home was burned down due to the Eaton Fire in Pasadena.

Multiple fires, including the catastrophic Pacific Palisades blaze, began on Tuesday amid strong Santa Ana winds.

The show shared a message on Wednesday which read: 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires currently raging in Los Angeles County.'

'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,' the warning concluded.

Upcoming episodes depict a house fire and the character Michael Corinthos - played by Chad Duell - catching on fire while inside. 

It comes only two months after the actor announced his exit from the series by sharing a moving post to his Instagram account. 

He wrote, '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.'

'I'm beyond grateful to [executive producer] Frank Valentini, the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes who have been like family to me throughout this amazing journey.' 

Duell - who had been a series regular on the soap opera since 2010 - added, '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.'

'Your love and encouragement has meant the world to me. This isn't a goodbye - it's a see you later. Much love, Chad.' 

During his time on General Hospital, Chad garnered six Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his performance, winning one in 2015 for Outstanding Supporting Actor. 

The show's warning comes not long after a star of the beloved series, Cameron Mathison, heartbrokenly revealed that he lost his home to the L.A. wildfires. 

On Wednesday, the actor took to his main Instagram page as he walked up a pathway towards what would have been the front entrance of his home that was completely burned away. 

Only piles of rubble and scattered flames could be seen as smoke filled the sky above him. 

In the caption, he wrote, 'We are safe. 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.' 

'Thanks to all who reached out and checked in. Can't respond to all so wanted to give an update here. Sending so many prayers to everyone being affected by these fires.'

Cameron also shared more videos to his Instagram stories shortly after both he and his loved ones were evacuated from the home on Tuesday night not long after the Eaton Fire erupted in Pasadena. 

While showing trees swaying in the strong winds and the flames covering a nearby hill, he wrote, 'Thank you for all the love and concern.' 

'We have evacuated and are safe. Prayers that everyone can say the same.' 

While driving through the streets to find a safe area, he also gave a shout out to the firefighters guiding residents and added, 'Grateful for all these heroes.'  

Other celebrities lost their homes in the devastating fires, including Adam Brody and wife Leighton Meester. 

The couple's house - which was purchased for $6.5 million in 2019 - was burned in the Pacific Palisades fire. 

And A-listers including Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller, Anthony Hopkins, and Ricki Lake also lost their homes. 

Over 15,800 acres have currently burned in the Palisades blaze, according to the Los Angeles Times, and destroyed around 1,000 structures - making it the most devastating fire in the history of L.A. 

The Eaton Fire also began on Tuesday after the sun had set and winds began to viciously pick up in the Altadena and Pasadena area. 

The flames have since engulfed around 10,000 acres - and five deaths have been confirmed, per the outlet. 

Additional fires have started throughout Southern California, including the Hurst Fire, Woodley Fire, Olivas Fire and the Freddy Fire. 

On Wednesday evening, the Sunset Fire started in the Hollywood Hills and began to move south towards the iconic Hollywood Boulevard. 

The beach homes of Paris Hilton and Diane Warren were also burnt to the ground amid the fire.

Celebrity hotspots such as Reel Inn was destroyed, while Nobu Malibu and Giorgio Baldi are also threated by the flames.

Amid the multiple fires spread throughout Southern California following strong winds, a total of 70,000 people had been ordered to evacuate. 

While ABC's General Hospital issued the content warning on Wednesday, the network has also canceled tapings for shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! 

And as news coverage continues, other shows including Doctor Odyssey and Grey's Anatomy will also not air. CBS Studios also halted production on its own shows, such as NCIS. 

It comes as Hollywood temporarily shuts down amid the devastating fires, resulting in the nominations for the upcoming 97th Academy Awards also being postponed. 

In the wake of the horrific events, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has officially delayed the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominations from Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19.

The voting period - which began on Wednesday - has also been extended through Tuesday, January 14. Voting had initially been set to end on Sunday, January 12.

A letter from the Academy, per The Hollywood Reporter, read: 'We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California.'

'So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.'

'Given the fire situation, we want to share some updates regarding an extension to the Oscars nominations voting window as well as updated information on Oscars Shortlist Screenings, Oscars Bake-Offs, and the Academy Museum...' 

Other academy events have also been temporarily canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date, such as the International Feature Film Shortlist Screening.

L.A. industry bake-offs have been canceled while the Academy Museum closed its doors on Wednesday - with screenings set to be rescheduled to an unknown date.

The 97th Academy Awards are still set to take place later this year on March 2 - and hosted by comedian and TV personality, Conan O'Brien.

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards have also been postponed to January 26 after being originally set to take place this week on Sunday, January 12.

The annual BAFTA Tea Party was supposed to take place on Saturday - but has also been canceled.