B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 213; Flight Crew Type 8000
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency; General Evacuated
Aircraft
During climbout a Flight Attendant reported strong chemical-type odors/fumes in the cabin; particularly in the aft section. We executed and complied with the appropriate checklists; and landed back at our departure airport. After I taxied clear of the runway; Fire Department Personnel reported seeing a 'hot spot' on their thermal imaging equipment; about one to one and one-half meters in diameter on the lower left fuselage and aft of the over wing exit. We then evacuated the aircraft using the fore and aft slides on the right side of the aircraft. Flight Attendants assessed by EMS; then transported to local hospital to address concerns of throat irritation. No immediate Passenger injuries noted upon evacuation. Pilots assessed by EMS and released.
Although no evidence of smoke; fire or fumes in the cockpit; Captain and First Officer immediately donned oxygen [masks].
A B737 flight crew returned to their departure airport after receiving a report of fumes and odor from flight attendants. When CFR reported a hot spot on the lower left aft fuselage an uneventful evacuation was executed from the right side exits.