Fire at control site stops O’Hare, Midway flights

AURORA, Ill. (Sun-Times Media Wire) – Flights to and from both Midway and O’Hare airports were grounded early Friday after a fire in an FAA radar center in west suburban Aurora.

The exact number of delays was not known Friday morning. A representative form the Chicago Department of Aviation could not be reached.

Air space management has been transferred to nearby air traffic facilities, according to the FAA.

Between 15 to 20 people were evacuated from the building at 619 W. New Indian Trail Ave. in Aurora, Aurora Fire Department Lieutenant Craig Mateski said. The fire, in the basement, had been extinguished by 6:53 a.m.

A man, whose exact age wasn’t known, was found in the basement with self-inflicted wounds, police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said. He was taken to Aurora Hospital, where his condition wasn’t immediately known.

A 50-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation from the fire and was released on the scene.

It was the second time since May that a fire at one of the Chicago area’s major control facilities prompted a ground stop at O’Hare and Midway international airports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.