Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After pushback and as the flight was beginning to depart the gate area for taxi and takeoff; the aft Flight Attendant reported heavy; thick; dark smoke emanating from the ceiling of the aircraft near the overhead emergency exit lights in the aft section of the aircraft.  I asked the Flight Attendant a number of questions concerning the smoke; its location; and characteristics.  Based on the information provided by the Flight Attendant; we presumed the smoke was as a result of a ballast fire.  We contacted Operations to advise of the situation. We requested a return to the gate. We requested aircraft marshallers; a jetway driver; Maintenance personnel and Airport Fire and Rescue personnel/equipment (as a precaution).   The non-flying pilot accomplished the QRH procedure for Electrical Smoke and Fire. As Captain; I could see the gate area we had just departed was clear. I made the decision to move the aircraft out of the alleyway; in the event an evacuation would be required. I taxied the aircraft back into the gate area approximately 20-30 feet away from the normal parking position. I asked the Flight Attendant a number of additional questions about the smoke and whether he or any passengers required any medical assistance. The Flight Attendant reported the smoke appeared to be dissipating. The Flight Attendant reported that he and the passengers appeared to be OK and required no medical assistance. I gave a public address message to the passengers explaining the situation and requested that they remain seated while we worked through the problem. The requested support personnel arrived at the aircraft and the aircraft was parked at the gate. Maintenance personnel boarded the aircraft to investigate the event. Maintenance personnel determined the we had experienced a ballast fire and that the passengers; crew; and aircraft were safe.  Airport Fire and Rescue arrived at the aircraft but their assistance and service was not required.  I requested that an aft aircraft door be opened to help evacuate any remaining smoke or fumes. The aft Flight Attendant came to the cockpit and requested the use of our observer station oxygen as he stated he had inhaled a bit of the smoke. Both I and the First Officer suggested that the Flight Attendant remove himself the trip and be seen by medical personnel. He stated that he thought he was OK. He later stated that he didn't feel well and made the decision to get off of the trip. I do not know how this event could have been prevented.  In my estimation; I believe it took far too long to get the aircraft back on the gate. Perhaps company policy/procedures should be examined in this area.
B737 Captain reported he was advised by aft Flight Attendant of smoke in the cabin. The Captain asked for CFR response and the smoke that appeared to be from a ballast quickly dissipated.