Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft; Company Policy; Procedure
While cruising at FL400; the two of us noticed a burning smell in the cockpit. Our initial thought was that the cookies had been burnt during the cabin service. The flight attendants were consulted and initially they indicated that nothing was amiss. Then they noticed smoke coming from one of the ovens in the first class galley. The oven door was opened and the smoke seemed to dissipate. At this point we felt that all was well. ATC gave an altitude change to FL370. At this point we again heard from the flight attendants that they thought more smoke was coming from the oven. Both ovens were depowered.  It was decided at this point that I would go back and help in assessing the situation. The inboard oven was a bit warm; but no smoke or smell of smoke was apparent at this point. Shortly after returning to the cockpit; the Purser again called indicating that more smoke had become visible from the oven. The utility buses were switched to OFF. ATC was contacted; and an emergency was declared. A message was sent [to] Dispatch via ACARS; 'Emergency declared smoke in the cabin.'  The decision was made to proceed to ZZZ. Other options were considered as we descended toward ZZZ if our situation were to worsen.   ATC had cleared us direct to ZZZ and the First Officer; who was the Pilot Flying; proceeded direct at nearly max forward speed. Equipment was requested to be positioned for our arrival to ZZZ.  The SMOKE; FIRE; FUMES checklist was accomplished. The flight attendants were advised to use fire extinguishers in and around the ovens as necessary; and they continued to keep us apprised of the situation throughout the arrival.  It was decided that we would not slow for 10;000 feet speed restriction; but proceed as quickly as possible to the airport. Amazingly as we approached the airport; ATC advised us to turn left in order to follow another aircraft.  We twice advised them that we were the emergency aircraft and would be proceeding direct to the airport.  Eventually they diverted the other aircraft away from the runway and us.  As we rolled out on the runway communications with the flight attendants continued until we arrived at the gate. They continued to intermittently spray halon into the affected area as we taxied.  We were prepared to stop and evacuate the aircraft if the situation worsened.  Everyone was waiting for us; firefighters; ramp personnel; but unbelievably we waited nearly 5 minutes for someone to drive the jetway.
The Captain requested emergency equipment standing by upon our arrival; accomplished the SMOKE; FIRE; FUMES QRH; and advised the flight attendants to use fire extinguishers in and around the ovens as necessary.  They continued the status updates throughout the arrival; and aided in the evacuation decision process. Upon hearing the bursts of halon fire extinguishing agent being applied by the flight attendant; we decided to maintain our best forward speed below 10;000 feet to expedite our landing and possible evacuation should an actual uncontrollable galley fire occur. We briefed our plan of distances; speeds and aircraft configuration to efficiently manage our energy state to ensure a safe landing. Then; approaching the airport; ATC advised us to turn left to follow another aircraft approaching from the north!! Twice; the Captain calmly advised ATC that we were the emergency aircraft; and were proceeding direct to the airport. The third transmission was to get all the traffic out of our way for our landing! It was only then that ATC diverted the other traffic away from the runway and us! As we rolled out following landing; communications with the flight attendants continued until we arrived at the gate. We continued to hear intermittent bursts of fire extinguishing agent during our expedited taxi in with fire trucks in close proximity. I contacted Ramp control advising we were on the ground with smoke in the forward galley; requesting the closest available gate. I requested they divert all other taxiing aircraft; and confirm guideman and jetway driver would be available immediately upon arrival at our gate so fireman could board aircraft to help with our emergency. All was accomplished with the exception of having to wait 5 minutes for the jetway driver!?!
Air carrier flight crew detects smoke during cruise (approaching top of descent) which the flight attendants believe is coming from an oven.  An emergency is declared and the flight proceeds to the destination airport at best forward speed.  It is necessary to remind ATC that they are an emergency aircraft to prevent vectoring for traffic.  The jetway operator does not show up until five minutes after the aircraft arrives at the gate.