B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 12500; Flight Crew Type 6500
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During cruise the cabin crew reported fumes and smoke coming from the oven in the first class galley. We completed the smoke and fire checklist as the strong odor was entering the flight deck. The CAB/Utility switch seemed to help diminish the fumes. We notified Dispatch and Maintenance and pulled the oven circuit breakers as the fumes were appearing again. Shortly thereafter; the cabin crew reported a strong odor opposite the ovens in the first class galley behind the lavatory.The housing enclosing the emergency flashlights were inspected and a strong odor appeared coming from this area. Three flight attendants were also complaining of burning eyes and smoke irritation. At this point I immediately diverted to a nearby airport and declared an emergency; advised Dispatch; and proceeded to the airport and requesting CFR. After a safe overweight (2;500 LBS) landing and deplaning; three flight attendants requested medical attention and one FA was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The Captain upon touchdown went to manual braking and used maximum reverse to let the aircraft roll the full length to minimize the chance of the brakes overheating. After clearing the runway; we had ARFF crew inspect the brakes to make sure there were no brake overheats or fire in the wheel well area.
When they were unable to determine the source of smoke enroute the flight crew of a B737 declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport. Three flight attendants requested medical attention; one of whom was taken to the hospital for evaluation.