Have pity on those who are traveling today: a fire set by an FAA contractor at an air traffic control center in the Chicago suburbs has stopped all traffic at O'Hare and Midway Airports, canceling at least 850 flights.

The airports' statuses as national hubs has made the fire particularly damaging for air travel. Aurora, Ill., police said that the fire was deliberately set by a male contractor working for the FAA, and confirmed that it was not an act of terrorism. The alleged arsonist was found in the facility's basement with apparently self-inflicted injuries, WGN reports, and was taken to a local hospital. Sources told WGN he was "a disgruntled employee" who was upset about a transfer to Hawaii, and that he had not been attempting suicide, but accidentally cut himself.

The Los Angeles Times reports that some flights have resumed, but not many, and many more are expected to be grounded. If you were planning on flying anywhere, check the status of your flight with the airline. It's likely going to be a long weekend.

[Image via AP]