B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During the Before Starting engines checklist we got a call from the aft galley Flight Attendant advising she had a fire in the coffee maker! We called CFR and the Flight Attendant selected power off on the coffee maker and pulled its associated circuit breaker. Flight Attendant reported sparks; flames & smoke from back of the coffee maker in the aft galley. CFR showed up and the Fire Chief said there was no fire. I was not clear as to what they define as a 'fire.' When the coffee maker was removed the electrical probes and wire clearly were burnt. I could see smoke when I went aft to analyze the situation and opened the 4R door so the smoke could be vented away. The Flight Attendant showed excellent judgment in pushing 'off' button and pulling the circuit breaker. A Mechanic removed the coffee maker; signed off book and we departed.
A B737-800 Captain reported a sparking/smoking coffee maker in the aft galley prior to leaving the gate. The Flight Attendant shut off the device and pulled the associated CB. After inspection by CFR and the removal of the unit the flight departed.