On Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 6:59 p.m., four companies of Los Angeles firefighters, two LAFD rescue ambulances, two EMS battalion captains and one battalion chief officer command team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Millage Peaks responded to an airport incident at Los Angeles International Airport.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department Dispatch Center was notified that a power disruption had rendered the Los Angeles Enroute Air Traffic Control Center in Palmdale, California, inoperable. Due to the power disruption and lack of radar contact, aircraft throughout the Western United States were grounded, remained in holding patterns, or were delayed for several hours. At one time, it was reported that up to 70 airplanes were loaded with passengers and awaiting take off at Los Angeles International Airport.

The Los Angeles Fire Department pre-deployed firefighters and paramedics to strategic locations near airport facilities. A command team was implemented and remained vigilant throughout the incident, preparing contingency plans, should any incidents occur.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, the system was restored, and air traffic resumed normal operations after the disruption. The incident is under investigation by the FAA and other concerned authorities.