B737-800
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Police / Security Involved; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
We were getting ready to board the kickoff flight and someone asked for the Captain to come look at a bag with an issue. Shortly after he went down the air stairs; the forward cargo fire warning sounded. I silenced the bell; but did not discharge the bottle as the cargo door was open and I knew they were loading. The Captain came up the stairs and ordered everyone off the plane immediately. He told us a bag had caught fire and ground personnel had used extinguishing agent on it.About 15 minutes later; the first fire truck arrived. In looking for guidance on how to proceed; we referred to the Accident; flight crew responsibilities checklist in the FOM. The Captain was able to make phone contact with Dispatch; but did not have success getting in touch with other contacts. He also efficiently dealt with a host of issues coordinating the multiple groups involved as well as keeping the passengers informed of the situation. Shortly thereafter; the fire chief showed us a charred battery as the suspected culprit from the bag in question. I then tried to assist the Captain as best as I could with any information he might need. We were all very thankful the event happened on the ground.Cause: Some passengers had an undeclared e-cigarette with charger and batteries in their luggage that shorted and started a fire.Suggestions: I believe the public still does not grasp the danger of batteries or other items as e-cigarettes in cargo. At check in; have more visuals similar to the 3-1-1 TSA uses for liquids in carry-ons. Also; maybe have a dedicated hotline that has priority over all others for immediate positive contact in the event of an incident or accident.
While on the flight deck and preforming preflight duties; one of the agents asked me to come and look at a bag that had caught fire in the forward cargo compartment. I went to investigate and the bag in question was on the belt loader. It did not seem to be on fire. However; there was a lot of smoke coming out of the forward cargo compartment. I told all of the ground personnel to step away from the aircraft and told them to call the fire department. I went back on to the aircraft told the first officer and flight attendants to deplane. I asked the agent to contact maintenance.After about fifteen minutes; the fire department arrived at the aircraft. They removed the bag to a remote location to do an inspection. All of the other bags on the aircraft were removed and rescreened. The passenger whose bag caught on fire was identified and questioned as to the contents of the bag. He said he had an e-cigarette; batteries; and a charger. The fire departments inspection of the bag showed the batteries and charger were burned and charred and they determined that they were the cause of the fire. The passenger in question and his traveling companion were taken for additional questioning and screening by security personnel. Passenger was found to have nitrogen on his skin. They determined the nitrogen was from some had cream or lotion he had used. I called and asked corporate security to recheck these passengers. I was told they did not show up on any no fly lists and were not a known security issue. I wrote in the logbook that a bag had caught fire in the FWD Cargo and a portable 'ABC' fire extinguisher had been used to extinguish the fire.While all of this was going on; I contacted dispatch first. I then tried to contact the Accident/Incident hotline to get some further guidance. I was transferred to several different people but was not able to talk to anyone. I then tried calling a chief pilot and none was available. I then tried to contact the duty chief pilot and got his voicemail. I did eventually speak to destination Chief who was very helpful. I received a call back from union representative who was also very helpful.First officer did a great job helping and assisting me. His input was invaluable. Flight attendants were also very helpful supportive and patient throughout the whole process.
B737-800 flight crew reported ground personnel notified Captain of a passenger's bag that ignited; because of undeclared Hazmat in a suitcase.