Nearly 100 people react to ‘simulated giant fireball’ (EXPLOSION) exercise at Orlando International Airport
Anthony Talcott, Digital Journalist
Published:August 3, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Updated: August 3, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Tags: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, Orange County, Strange Florida, MCO, OIA
ORLANDO, Fla. – Nearly 100 first responders, emergency managers and volunteers took part in Operation Dark Horizon — a full-scale nighttime emergency response exercise at Orlando International Airport designed to sharpen coordination during a high-consequence incident, according to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC).
In a release, officials said participants responded to a simulated natural gas pipeline rupture and explosion, described as a “giant fireball,” as agencies worked through a complex, fast-moving scenario on airport property.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/08/04/nearly-100-react-to-simulated-giant-fireball-at-orlando-international-airport/