Further to the above (re: crank for engine fire during start & also for other maintenance duties), Eurocopter states that the "CRANKING" function as:
"This function is independent of the starting function; it is used to cool the air duct and drain out any fuel remaining inside after an aborted start."
For an engine relight in flight, cranking also is not used - NG has to be below 5% for the 2B engine prior to selecting ON on the starter switch (otherwise it will not start), however on the 2B1, the switch is turned ON and will automatically start once the NG goes below 17%.