B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
While pushing back from the gate; the #2 engine was started normally. While I was clearing off the Ground Crew; the First Officer (FO) was starting the #1 engine. The starter valve light opened; however; we received no N1 or N2 indication. Left duct pressure appeared normal. We attempted two unsuccessful starts; never reaching motoring rpm or adding fuel; and I decided to contact Dispatch and patch through to Maintenance. Maintenance Control had me cycle the #1 starter valve circuit breaker and reattempt. Same indication was observed. We were instructed to return to the gate and call Contract Maintenance.While coordinating the return the #1 engine fire light illuminated. We referenced the QRC and completed the engine fire checklist. The overheat light remained illuminated throughout; resulting in both fire bottles needing to be discharged. I had the FO call for fire coverage while I spoke to the Flight Attendants and then made a PA to the passengers letting them know what was happening.  After arriving; the Fire Crews reported no engine fire indication. I elected to taxi back into the gate. I coordinated with the Fire Crews and to stay and monitor the engine until Contract Maintenance could open the cowls and inspect. I spoke with the passengers and then called Dispatch to relay the events and coordinate further maintenance.
After pushback and successful start of engine #2; we experienced a malfunction during the start of engine #1. While initiating the start sequence on engine #1; we noticed that there was no movement on the N1; N2; or oil pressure gauges. After two further attempts (respecting cooling periods) with no change; the Captain elected to call Dispatch/Maintenance. Under their guidance; we were instructed to attempt one more start; which was also unsuccessful. Maintenance directed the Captain to return to the gate for an inspection by Contract Maintenance; and I began coordinating with operations for a guide-in. Shortly after those calls were completed; we received Master Warning lights; OVHT/DET illuminated on the annunciator panel; and an illuminated 'ENG 1 OVERHEAT' light on the Overheat/Fire Protection Panel. As we prepared to run the appropriate checklist; we received a fire bell; 'FIRE WARN' lights on the glare shield; and an illuminated #1 engine fire switch. We advised ATC of our situation and asked them to roll the trucks; then proceeded with the Engine Fire QRC procedure. During this process the overheat condition persisted; and we ultimately fired both Halon extinguishers into the #1 engine. Under QRC guidance; the QRH procedure was subsequently completed.We advised the passengers; Flight Attendants; and Operations of our situation. We established radio contact with the Fire Crews as they arrived; advised them of the anomaly and that our #2 engine was still running. They inspected the engine and reported that nothing looked abnormal. We coordinated with ATC and our Operations to taxi back under our own power.
B737-700 flight crew reported receiving a fire warning on #1 engine following several unsuccessful attempts to start the engine.