Narrative:

During cruise; a momentary 'smoke fwd (aft) cargo smoke' ECAM warning appeared. The ECAM lasted approximately 2-4 seconds then disappeared. The ECAM could not be recalled using the 'recall' key on the switching panel. However; the ECAM status display showed the deferred items as depicted in the flight manual and the overhead cargo fire warning panel showed a 'Disch1' light; as if the initial ECAM warning was still displayed.after consultation with dispatch and maintenance; verifying with the cabin crew that there were no indications in the rear of the airplane indicating a problem; and the fact that the cargo smoke system tested correctly prior to flight; it was agreed that this was some type of momentary system fault and not a threat to the aircraft's safety. No emergency [situation reported to ATC] and we proceeded towards our destination.although the ECAM had cleared itself immediately with no action taken by the pilots; we continued to consult the QRH where applicable and coordinated to have all passengers disembarked prior to the cargo doors being opened on the ground. Additionally; dispatch coordinated to have fire fighting personnel available to use infrared scanning to ensure there wasn't any unusual heat signature in the hold. The potential issue requiring this filing centers around whether it was necessary to land the plane as soon as possible as the flight manual calls for if the ECAM warning had persisted. As the ECAM warning had disappeared almost instantly and couldn't be recalled; and I had conferred with dispatch and maintenance; I didn't deem that landing as soon as possible in an overweight airplane at the closest suitable field to be appropriate.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A320 Captain reported continuing to destination after receiving a momentary ECAM for cargo smoke.

Narrative: During cruise; a momentary 'Smoke Fwd (aft) Cargo Smoke' ECAM warning appeared. The ECAM lasted approximately 2-4 seconds then disappeared. The ECAM could not be recalled using the 'Recall' key on the switching panel. However; the ECAM status display showed the Deferred Items as depicted in the Flight Manual and the overhead Cargo Fire Warning panel showed a 'Disch1' light; as if the initial ECAM warning was still displayed.After consultation with Dispatch and maintenance; verifying with the cabin crew that there were no indications in the rear of the airplane indicating a problem; and the fact that the Cargo Smoke system tested correctly prior to flight; it was agreed that this was some type of momentary system fault and NOT a threat to the aircraft's safety. No emergency [situation reported to ATC] and we proceeded towards our destination.Although the ECAM had cleared itself immediately with no action taken by the pilots; we continued to consult the QRH where applicable and coordinated to have all passengers disembarked prior to the cargo doors being opened on the ground. Additionally; Dispatch coordinated to have Fire Fighting personnel available to use infrared scanning to ensure there wasn't any unusual heat signature in the hold. The potential issue requiring this filing centers around whether it was necessary to land the plane as soon as possible as the Flight Manual calls for if the ECAM warning had persisted. As the ECAM warning had disappeared almost instantly and couldn't be recalled; and I had conferred with dispatch and maintenance; I didn't deem that landing as soon as possible in an overweight airplane at the closest suitable field to be appropriate.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.