B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 270; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After we landed Ground Control told us our gate was occupied and instructed us to park at the run-up pad. Ground Control gave us clearance to taxi to our gate but it was still occupied. Ramp had us taxi on the line going south and hold abeam Gate X. After setting the parking brake the AFT cargo fire light and alarm came on. The First Officer started running the checklist down to evacuation. [The] A Flight Attendant said there wasn't any smoke nor could he smell smoke. I declared an emergency; demanded a gate; and to roll the fire equipment. The Ramp Controller gave us a gate; but the ground staff was NOT notified of the emergency. I told Ramp Control we were about to evaluate using the slide; and he assured me they were coming. First Officer said we were down to the evacuation part of the checklist. We had a quick decision to make: wait for ground personnel or use the slide. We had already discharged the fire extinguisher together as part of the checklist.The Ramper walked out to us without knowing our situation but I was almost there. Rather than using the auto parking system he knew to use manual parking signals. I told the Ramp Tower 'do not open the aft cargo bin!' The gate agent arrived without knowing our situation; and I motioned her to hurry and she did a great job. I made a PA and told the folks our situation and instructed them to leave their carry on baggage and exit the aircraft; and as they were leaving I ran outside and told the Rampers not to open the cargo door until the passengers were off the airplane. The First Officer then informed me the passengers were off the plane; and I went through the aircraft and opened every bathroom to be sure all the passengers had left. I had already told the Fire Department to use the thermal gun before opening the door; and I asked the Fire Chief if it was okay for the passengers to remove their carry on luggage. When he gave me the okay; I informed the gate agent then went back downstairs. I gave the police my name and telephone number then called the Duty Manager. It appeared there was not a fire! I did the paperwork for the next flight and we departed 3 minutes late. The First Officer did an outstanding job. He ran the checklist; and when I would get distracted he would pull me back into the checklist. He assisted the emergency evacuation; and kept me informed at all times. The flight attendants were very helpful when I asked them about smoke or fire in the rear of the aircraft and evacuation. The Ramper did a good job of manually marshaling me into the gate when he noticed I was taxiing in. The gate agent was also uninformed to our situation but after I opened the cockpit window and motioned her to hurry she helped assist the passengers. I wish Ramp Tower could have informed the ground people that we had a fire: we were within 15 seconds of popping a slide; but I'm sure he was busy as well. Overall I wouldn't change much of what we did. I thought things went well. I think the company should replace all the flight crews after an emergency evacuation because it's hard to concentrate on the next flight while still thinking about how we did on the last flight.
[No additional information contained in this report.]
After landing and on the ramp while awaiting an occupied gate the flight crew of a Boeing 737 received an AFT CARGO fire alarm. The applicable checklist was accomplished down to the EVACUATION line as the Captain concurrently queried the flight attendants as to the condition in the cabin. While no smoke or fumes were reported; an emergency was declared and the aircraft positioned on the nearest avaliable gate as ARFF was summoned. The passengers were evacuated off the aircraft (sans personal effects) through the forward door.