B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Aircraft
ZZZ was experiencing departure delays due to weather in the area. We pushed back on time and did a lap around the airport for XXL and ended up holding due to extensive delays. We shut down the right engine for fuel considerations. We eventually ended up on taxiway for a XR departure and was informed east departures were again stopped. We elected to then start APU and shut down the left engine. After approximately 10 minutes ATC advised us to start up. We again accomplished the before start and takeoff checklists. Both engines were started simultaneously. The aircraft behind us informed us we were on fire and torching from our left engine confirmed by Ground. There were no abnormal indications displayed during startup. We shut down the left engine and asked ground to roll the fire trucks. The emergency equipment arrived quickly and reported no fire or smoke at that time. Left tailpipe fire checklist was accomplished and we taxied back to [the] gate with the fire equipment following us. The fire department did another inspection before the jetway was brought up to the aircraft.
Aircraft was parked on taxiway holding short of Runway XR. ATC told us there was a ground stop for eastbound traffic so we started the APU and shut down both engines. The right engine had been shut down about 20 min earlier. We were advised that departures were open so after the accomplishing the before start checklist both engines were started. After a couple of minutes an aircraft behind us warned us of a fire or torching of the left engine along with ATC confirmation. We shut down the engine all called for emergency equipment. Emergency equipment arrived very shortly and advised us there was no visible fire or smoke. There wasn't any indication that an evacuation was necessary. Communication with flight attendants and passengers was completed and we were cleared by ATC to return to [the] gate. After the engine was shut down the tail pipe fire checklist was completed. All engine indication during the start was normal.
B777 flight crew reported engine fire during engine restart after departure ground stop was lifted.