EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Passing 18;000 FT during climb; we noticed a 'thud' and our ears popped. We immediately directed our attention to the pressurization; and all looked normal. Within a minute; the Flight Attendant called and asked what the noise was and that there was a sound of rushing air in the cabin. We then noticed a strong burning odor and decided to divert to ZZZ which was 15 minutes away. The odor lasted for about 2-3 minutes. There was a slight amount of smoke that could momentarily be seen coming out of the side vents; but it didn't last more than 30 seconds. We ran the QRH; notified dispatch; and landed without incident. On the descent; we recognized that the cockpit had gotten warm; leading us to believe there was an issue with PACK 1 (as PACK 2 had been MEL'd at the gate prior to pushback).
Passing FL180 during climb; an EMB-145 Captain noticed a thud and ears started popping. Pressurization appears normal; but smoke and a burning smell are detected in the cockpit and cabin. Crew elects to divert to a suitable airport.