Air Carrier flight crew reported a passenger's electronic device ignited during approach to landing. The device was placed in a containment bag and the flight landed safely.
Synopsis
Air Carrier flight crew reported a passenger's electronic device ignited during approach to landing. The device was placed in a containment bag and the flight landed safely.
Narrative
On approach into ZZZ shortly after passing 6;000 feet; on the visual to Runway XXR; I began to smell a burning smell. I mentioned this to the Captain and he said he also noticed a burning smell. Shortly thereafter the smell become strong and filled the flight deck; it smelt a strong odor of smoke and electrical fumes. Suspicious of the smell I turned up my lights to see if I could see any smoke and did not notice any visible smoke in the flight deck. About this time the flight attendants called the flight deck and said they were fighting a fire with a passenger's personal electronic device; that they were using the thermal containment bag; and that there was some smoke in the cabin from the fire. After the Captain finished the call with the flight attendants; we discussed whether or not we should advise ATC. I advocated to advise ATC in case the situation escalated further; to allow us the flexibility to take the necessary actions to ensure safety of flight was maintained; and for ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) to be advised of the situation. The Captain received priority with ZZZ Approach at that time. I remained the Pilot Flying and discussed with the Captain that at this point on the approach we were stable and I was planning to continue flying the approach normally to landing; I mentioned that after landing when the controls were transferred and the aircraft was stopped; I would make a 'remain seated; remain seated' PA to the passengers while we evaluate the next steps. On short final the flight attendants advised us that the smoke was dissipating and that the device was secure in the thermal containment bag and under control. The Captain told the flight attendants to expect to taxi to the gate normally after landing. We landed uneventfully on XXR; and exited the runway on Taxiway 1. The passengers were advised to remain seated. We told the control tower our intentions were to taxi to Gate X and have ARFF meet us at the gate; to come on the aircraft and remove the device/thermal containment bag; and evaluate the safety of the cabin condition. After crossing the runway we were given a discrete frequency to communicate with the Fire Chief on; and advised them of our intentions. I additionally called ZZZ Company airport operations to advise them that we had experienced a fire with a passenger's personal electronic device and that the fire department would be meeting us at the gate; I wanted to make sure that the gate was ready to accept us; and they said they would make sure they were ready. Upon arrival at the gate; we shut down the engines and the Captain made a PA to the passengers asking them to remain seated; and further explaining the situation. After the device was removed from the aircraft ARFF cleared the cabin and said it was safe to deplane normally. After opening the flight deck door the Captain spoke with ARFF; ZZZ Airport Safety; and the flight attendants. ZZZ MX (Maintenance) met the airplane as well and appropriate discrepancies were entered into the MX logbook. The Captain called the flight dispatcher and spoke with the dispatcher and the dispatch supervisor; and I spoke to the Chief Pilot. The Captain also submitted a report.
Second reporter narrative
Passenger cell phone caught fire with smoke. FA (Flight Attendant) put cell phone in Thermal Containment Bag.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.