Air traffic tower sprinkler activated due to cold weather causes temporary ground stop at MCO
Updated: 4:39 PM EST Feb 1, 2026
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a ground stop was issued due to a “possible fire.”At approximately 3:30 p.m., Orlando International Airport Fire Rescue (ARFF) responded to a fire alarm call at the MCO Air Traffic Control Tower, MCO said.According to MCO, out of an abundance of caution, staff evacuated the tower.It was later determined that a sprinkler had activated inside the tower due to the cold weather.The FAA issued a ground stop, but flight operations have since returned to normal.The ground stop was lifted at 4:15 p.m. >> This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is released.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a ground stop was issued due to a “possible fire.”
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Orlando International Airport Fire Rescue (ARFF) responded to a fire alarm call at the MCO Air Traffic Control Tower, MCO said.
According to MCO, out of an abundance of caution, staff evacuated the tower.
It was later determined that a sprinkler had activated inside the tower due to the cold weather.
The FAA issued a ground stop, but flight operations have since returned to normal.
The ground stop was lifted at 4:15 p.m.
>> This is a developing story and will be updated as new information is released.