B737-800
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Descending on arrival into ZZZ; the #2 Flight Attendant called from the aft galley and reported smoke and heat coming from [an] indeterminate location in aft galley. She reported it was aft service area; aircraft right generally; near the coffee pots. She reported a distinct electrical burning smell; and white smoke. I shut off CAB/UTILITY switch and asked the flight attendants to call us with updates. First Officer ran the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes QRH checklist. We [advised] ATC and requested ARFF meet the aircraft after landing. The flight attendants reported that the smoke and heat was dissipating. This all happened about 8-10 minutes from landing at ZZZ. No further smoke or fumes reported. I briefed flight attendants for a precautionary landing; and made a public address. After landing; we taxied to the gate with ARFF vehicles escorting us. Firefighting personnel came on board after gate arrival and checked aft galley; no unusual heat or smoke found at this point. There was a lingering burnt electrical smell; however; especially when Maintenance personnel opened the ceiling access panel. Flight attendants reported that smoke and burning electrical odor filled aft galley and drifted into the last two rows of main cabin before dissipating. There were no injuries reported. After a lengthy delay in ZZZ; we left the airplane in the hands of Maintenance personnel who were still searching for the cause of the smoke and fumes.
On our descent through about FL200 into ZZZ; the Number 2 Flight Attendant called the cockpit reporting smoke and heat in the aft galley area. We ran the Smoke; Fire; or Fumes checklist. The flight attendants said the smoke dissipated and went away soon after we turned off the CAB/UTILITY switch. Once we were handed to Approach; we [advised ATC] and were quickly vectored to the ILS XXR. We called Operations on final and told them we just wanted the fire department to escort us to our gate. After gate arrival; we were inspected by a firemen and the passengers safely deplaned.
B737-800 flight crew reported Flight Attendant notified them of smoke and heat in the aft galley during descent.