Boeing Co 747-438, VH-OJJ

At top of descent to Los Angeles, the cabin crew of the Boeing
747 aircraft reported smoke and fumes emanating from the cabin
ceiling located in the vicinity of the rear right side (R5)
emergency exit door. Smouldering paper tissues were found in an
overhead light fitting. Cabin crew removed the tissues and
discharged a fire extinguisher onto the light fitting, tissues, and
surrounding area. The cabin crew remained in the vicinity and
monitored the area until passengers disembarked at Los
Angeles.



The company reported that the light fitting is a "night light" and
is always "on". The light has a blue plastic cover that should
always be in place, but was not fitted on this occasion.



The investigation was unable to determine why, or by whom, the
tissues were placed in the light fitting.