Incident Description
During engine start, ground personnel communicated over the intercom to the pilots that fuel was dripping from the No. 2 engine as it spooled up. They requested that the crew continue motoring the engine with the fuel lever in the off position.
Response
Shortly thereafter, ground personnel reported a fire. In response, the captain discharged both fire bottles and continued motoring the engine. Airport fire crews arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. All passengers were evacuated from the aircraft without incident. According to both pilots, no fire warnings were received in the cockpit during the event.
Investigation
The engine was disassembled and examined following the incident. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the fire.