Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
We were cleared for takeoff. It was my First Officer's (FOs) leg. The takeoff power was set and all engine parameters looked normal; and the plane began to roll down the runway. Around 70 kts; I heard 3-4 dings; from the cabin; (my flight interphone also happened to be on) and I heard 'there are flames/ fire out of the left engine' from one of the flight attendants. We did not have any cockpit fire warnings nor any caution indications at the time.I decided to make a low speed abort on the runway. I made a PA and told the Passengers; 'This is the Captain; remain seated; remain seated; remain seated'. We then turned off to the right on the first available exit and I requested Tower to send the fire trucks out to inspect the engines and aircraft. There were still no engine fire indications.The Fire trucks inspected the engines and airplane and notified us they did not see any fire or damage to the aircraft. We were then eventually towed back to the gate. My FO did also do an aborted [takeoff] brake temp chart calculation; as required. I did keep the passengers informed status and that we were going to be towed back to the gate. I did send an ACARS message to dispatch with the main takeoff abort details that had just occurred.After reviewing this aborted takeoff event; I did not declare an emergency with the Tower - but I probably should have.
At the start of the takeoff roll flight attendants witnessed flames coming out of one engine and informed the Captain. The Captain elected to do an immediate abort at low speed. The flight returned to the gate.