During the flight, while meals were being heated, the cabin crew noticed an unusual odour coming from the forward galley oven, resembling burning paper. Acting promptly, they switched the oven off and began to check it. When the oven door was opened cautiously, small flames were briefly visible inside.
Another cabin crew member prepared a halon fire extinguisher in case it was needed, but intervention was ultimately unnecessary, as the flames were no longer visible once the oven door was reopened. The flight crew was informed of the situation, and four charred paper food containers were removed from the oven.
Post‑flight examination determined that the fire most likely originated in the rear section of the oven, close to the heating element. It was found that the heating element was not protected by a metal cover, and the oven insert in use was missing its rear section. This missing component is intended to maintain a safe separation between food packaging and the heating element, and its absence likely allowed the paper containers to come into close proximity with the heat source. As a result of these findings, the oven was removed from service, and cabin crew were instructed not to use it.
In response to the incident, the operator implemented a range of safety actions. A Safety Bulletin, Safety Alert and Safety Brief were issued, and clear instructions were circulated both internally and to ACMI partners. These communications emphasised that ovens must not be used if the correct insert is not fitted.
The event highlights important safety considerations related to cabin operations. In particular, it underlines the risks associated with improper galley equipment configuration and maintenance, as well as the use of non‑compliant or incomplete oven inserts. It also demonstrates the importance of early detection and effective crew response, which in this case prevented the situation from escalating into a more serious in‑flight fire.