"Horrible timing”— General Hospital fans react to the soap issuing a trigger warning amid the Los Angeles fires

General Hospital fans recently saw Michael Corinthos engulfed in swathes of flame in his father's penthouse. He became a victim of a bomb explosion planted to eliminate his father, Sonny Corinthos. Michael had come to meet his father and inform him about proceeding with his divorce from his wife, Willow. Michael's fire accident was aimed at Michael actor Chad Duell's exit plot.

However, in an unfortunate coincidence, Michael's burn arc was aired around the same time as the recent Los Angeles wildfire disaster. While Los Angeles faced a bad round of wildfires on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Michael's exposure to the explosion was aired on Monday, January 6.

The story arc continued on Wednesday's episode as Michael was shown flailing his arms while on fire.

The soap's fans took to social media to react to the story arc. One viewer, identifying as Lori Marie, commented:

"Horrible timing. Prayers for Everyone."

A fan comment on the current story arc (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital)

Lori was responding on the soap's Facebook page which alluded to the wildfires and posted a cautionary for the upcoming episode.

The soap's cautionary post on social media (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital)

Many fans commended the GH post for its sensitivity towards the ongoing tragedy.

Fans appreciate the soap's sensitivity towards LA wildfires (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital)

Others sent out prayers for the fire victims of LA including actor Cameron Mathison.

Fans send out prayers for wildfire-affected families (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital)

However, some viewers referred to the story arc complaining about the horrific way Michael's exit has been written.

Some fans are unhappy with Michael's exit story arc (Image via Facebook/@General Hospital)

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General Hospital: How did Michael meet with the fire accident?

The GH episode that aired on Monday, January 6, 2025, found Michael Corinthos visiting his father. He informed Sonny that he wanted to proceed with divorcing Willow after her affair with Drew Caine/Quartermaine became public. He also planned to fight for the custody of his children.

When Jason Morgan arrived to discuss business with Sonny, Michael offered to leave. However, Jason and Sonny stepped out while Michael stayed back in his father's penthouse.

He heard a ticking sound followed by a loud explosion. The penthouse caught fire from the explosion, as did Michael.

Sonny and Jason were unable to reach Michael (Image via Instagram/generalhospitalabc)

The next episode, dated January 8, 2025, showed Michael moving around the room unable to escape while swallowed up by fire. Sonny wanted to come in to save his son, but Jason pushed him out to call 911.

Jason rushed in and covered Michael with a rug while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.

Later, Michael was rushed to the hospital where Lucas Jones declared that he had 40 per cent burns and a slim chance of survival. While Carly Corinthos joined Sonny and Jason at the hospital, Jack Brennan went and brought Joss.

Nina Reeves called Drew since she was unable to reach Willow and informed the latter about Michael's burns. Drew and Willow were together engaged in intimate moments at the same time that Michael was on fire.

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How would Michael's family and friends react to his accident?

As Wednesday's episode presented, Lucas Jones was emotionally affected by his nephew's condition and asked for Isaiah's help with the medical procedure.

Carly was also shown to shout at Sonny after realizing that her son became the victim of a fatal plot aimed at Sonny.

The soap's spoilers suggest that Carly and Sonny would come together in their common grief. Besides Michael, the couple had previously lost Morgan. Whether their closeness will re-build into romance remains to be seen.

On the other hand, Willow Corinthos is likely to realize that Michael would not be available to fight for the custody of their children. After her initial shock, she may take this opportunity to stand up for herself and her children.

However, Carly Corinthos may turn her distress into angst and focus on Willow. She may want to punish Willow for what she did to Michael. She may also find herself in a dilemma as Sonny may collaborate with Willow's mother, Nina, over some common interests.

Continue watching General Hospital every weekday to catch the upcoming drama over Michael's accident and exit on ABC.