The real-life house in Los Angeles that inspired one of the houses in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA5) has burnt down in the California wildfires. Since its breakout this week, the fires have reportedly destroyed over 20,000 acres of land.
According to fans, the aforementioned Los Angeles house was an inspiration behind Michael's house in the game. The location, also known as the De Santa residence, also marks the beginning of Michael's journey in the game.
Fans took to X to react to the real-life inspiration behind the house being burnt down. One user joked that the house was destroyed as people were tired of GTA5, supposedly in anticipation of fans wanting the updated GTA6 game version. One user wrote:
"Even LA is tired of GTA5."
More fan reactions to the news:
"Not Michales house bro," another fan wrote.
"W…… Now release 6," another netizen jibed.
"The house that inspired GTA 5 was burned down before GTA 6," a fan joked.
Fans continued to joke about the house in the context of the game:
"That sucks right before GTA 6, it's already being burned to the ground," a fan remarked.
"MY CHILDHOOD IS GONE," another person commented.
"That yoga mission was so awful," another netizen chimed in.
Some other comments on X were:
"Rockstar regretting not bringing back firefight ( 911 ) side missions," a fan wrote.
"Nooo not the iconic Michael house! i love how there is a firetruck at the house in the picture lol," an X user added.
Los Angeles Police Department arrests arson suspect alleged to be behind the California wildfires
Latest reports by Forbes suggest that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has arrested a suspected arsonist in connection to the fatal California wildfires on January 9 (Thursday). The wildfires broke out in various areas of California on Tuesday, January 7, and have reportedly destroyed over 20,000 acres of land so far.
According to the LAPD, the unnamed man was allegedly spotted trying to light a fire near the Kenneth fire in the Woodlands Hills area in LA. The officials have said they cannot confirm a connection between the alleged arson suspect and the fatal California wildfires. According to FOX LA, the arrested suspect is a homeless man in his thirties. He remains in custody until further development.
According to Forbes, the anonymous man was held down by nearby residents until the police arrived. He reportedly carried a “propane tank or flamethrower" per the neighbors. Renata Grinshpun, one of the citizens involved in the arrest, told officials that people saw the man "behind a van, trying to light something on fire."
On Friday, assistant Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi said there was not enough evidence to charge the suspect with arson or suspicion of arson. He has yet to be linked to the California wildfires. He has been arrested for a felony probation violation.
However, LAPD officer Charles Dinsel told NewsNation that the arrest had prompted officials to begin an arson investigation at Victory Trailhead. The Kenneth fire began at this location 20 to 30 minutes before the anonymous suspect was arrested.
Officials also told NewsNation that anyone found guilty of enabling or adding to the California wildfires could be charged with homicide and face life in prison.
“Justice will be swift. It will be firm, and the maximum punishment will be sought," Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman told NewsNation.
The Kenneth fire has burnt nearly 1,000 acres of land since Thursday afternoon. The fire continues to add to the woes caused by the California wildfires that broke out in the Hollywood Hills, Palisades, and Eaton, among other areas.