Air carrier flight crew reported a passenger's electronic device experienced a thermal runaway during cruise. The flight crew requested and was provided priority handling to a diversion airport where the flight landed safely.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a passenger's electronic device experienced a thermal runaway during cruise. The flight crew requested and was provided priority handling to a diversion airport where the flight landed safely.
Narrative
As we were getting ready for the approach and land in ZZZ; FL270; the cabin crew called us via interphone; notifying us about a [situation] in the mid-cabin. [The] Captain advised me about the event. The Captain immediately told me and communicated with ATC that we [were requesting priority handling] to ZZZ1 Airport. We both donned our masks and executed the [appropriate] descent procedure. As we were descending; ATC gave us a new instruction. Level off at FL250. We set that on the FCU. We had a traffic advisory; and ATC notified us about it. We dialed the VS on the FCU less than 1500 feet per minute to successfully avoid an RA.After crossing the traffic; we selected a lower altitude on the FCU (10000); as we were descending; both cockpit crews were having issues transmitting to ATC with our masks on. So I removed my mask and used the hand mike to communicate and reaffirm the [situation]. We requested the weather and runway in use at ZZZ1. The weather was provided for Runway XX. As we loaded the MCDU with all the details; we ran the [appropriate] checklist procedure. We loaded the flight [company software] with the landing details and proceeded with the approach checklist.On the final approach to Runway XX; we discussed the need to evacuate and confirmed that no actions were required. We did this twice. We review out loud the next course of action. Once on the ground and the aircraft stopped; I announced via the PA to the flight attendants at stations. After discussing with [the] Captain the state of the aircraft; the Captain communicated with the passengers the next course of action. The Captain informed the passengers we would taxi the airplane to the gate assigned. I announce three times passengers remain seated. We spoke with the fire chief and proceeded to taxi the aircraft. We Completed all checklists. Once at the gate and the parking checklist completed; the Captain gave the order to disembark the passengers as the residual smell was still present in the cabin.Two fire extinguishers bottles were used. One PBE (protective breathing equipment) and some passengers helped to combat the fire. A retired firefighter; deadheading crew members and Flight Attendant all went above and beyond.
Second reporter narrative
I was conducting OE (Operational Evaluation) on a Captain upgrade and occupying the right seat; While in level flight at FL 270; I was the PM (pilot Monitoring); First Officer PF (Pilot Flying). Also onboard we had a Check FA (Flight Attendant) and two FAs receiving OE in the cabin; 4 jumpseaters onboard seated in the cabin not too far from the source of the fire.Approximately XA32 we received a call from the cabin; advising us of the [situation] with smoke coming out of an overhead bin mid cabin. She hung up; at the same time we got a frequency change from ATC that went unacknowledged; [FA] called back and confirmed an uncontrolled [situation] mid cabin from an overhead bin. As a cockpit crew we donned 02 masks and I attempted to respond to ATC; but the mask mic was transmitting poorly. After two attempts from myself and one from [PF]; I took my mask back off and confirmed with ATC we had a [situation] and were diverting to ZZZ1. I instructed PF to keep his mask on during the descent while I worked the radios. We operated in this fashion until below 10;000 feet.Also during this time; Over the PA I briefed passengers on the diversion. FA called me at some point around 10;000 and said the [situation] was out and the cabin was prepared for landing.We completed the [appropriate]; checklists for approach and landing; [PF] completed landing data for ZZZ1 on [Company system]; and he confirmed again with FAs prior to landing that the [situation was contained]. We briefed ourselves and the FAs that we would stop and speak to the fire chief after landing; and that we did not anticipate evacuation. After landing; [PF] called FAs to stations; I spoke to the [ground personnel] and confirmed with them the [situation was contained] and established a plan for taxi to a gate. [PF]; asked FAs to remain seated and we advised passengers that we were taxing to a gate to deplane. Once at the gate; I coordinated the deplaning as quickly as possible specifically due to the strong odor remaining in the cabin. Two of passengers were treated by paramedics on the aircraft and once all passengers had deplaned I made a gate announcement asking anyone who felt the need for medical care to please come forward and see paramedics. Several more passengers were cared for gate side; eventually the FAs were also taken to the hospital for evaluation.I was advised by jumpseater; and Lead FA that they along with a nearby passenger assisted in [controlling] the [electronic device] that was inside of a backpack. Passenger burns his hands while pulling the wet [electronic device] from the backpack. The device was placed in water per procedure and the fire source was isolated. Two halon extinguishers were used. A PBE was opened; but not used as the fire was already extinguished.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.