EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Distraction; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
During push back the clearance to start the number 2 engine was given by ground personnel. Upon attempting to start the engine no EICAS indications were present that the engine was starting. Shortly after the engine start was attempted the ground personnel alerted us to fire in the number 2 engine. We had no indication of a fire from any instrument in the cockpit and relied on ground crew for confirmation.  The memory items were performed and the [checklist] was used. After the memory items were performed the ground crew confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. That aircraft was towed about 15 feet back to the gate. Stairs were brought up to the plane and the passengers were deplaned. After the event the Captain coordinated with the company for a safe outcome.The aircraft was in a completely normal state with all cockpit indications normal during pushback and throughout the engine abnormality.  The ground crew alerted us to a fire in the number 2 engine and the captain (Pilot Flying) and the first officer (PM) followed procedures. The only undesired aircraft state and threat that occurred was the fire in the number 2 engine. After the fire was confirmed extinguished we towed 15 feet back to the gate for a safe passenger deplaning. Mechanical failures are minimized as much as possible in aviation but are still a threat to the safety of flight.  I don't believe anything could have been done within reason to avoid this. The crew handled the issue appropriately and safely and used the good training provided by the company for a safe outcome for everyone involved.
A regional jet pilot reported an engine fire while starting the number 2 engine. The fire was successfully extinguished and the aircraft was safely towed back to the gate.