How do you light a coal fire?

Question

I went on my hols last month and they had a coal fire inside the lounge, and no matter what we did we couldn't get it to light. I am guessing it dodgy coal but anyways I want to know for next time some good tips for getting a fire going.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

I have a coal fire at home and too light it I screw up some newspaper, Put some kindling on top (small dry strips of wood) and put a bit of coal on top. Add more coal when the fire takes hold. You can always buy some fire lighters from the garage or supermarket you light them and add some kindling and coal too it. Easy when you know how.

Answer 2

Coal requires a lot of heat to ignite, so build a newspaper and wood fire first and then add the coal a few pieces at a time. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Go with what the others have said, but make sure the wood, and coal is dry, and the wood is not green, also make sure that the chimney is clear, and not shut off, and don't roll the paper to tight
good luck
DO NOT use white spirit, or anything like it for indoors, many fires have been started by this stupid act

Answer 4

fire lighters then small pieces of wood (available at most petrol stations) then small pieces of coal. Add more coal as the fire takes hold. Very important to ensure enough air gets at the flames.

Answer 5

4 squares of firelighter bunched together. Don't spread them out.
Light them
Add coal pieces tightly around the firelighters and start to build over them in a cone shape. Wood kindling is not required. Keep stacking them up until you can't stack anymore.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I only can get one going with a bottle of lighter fluid.

Self lighting coals are supposed to have lighter fluid in them already, but it evaporates if they are left out too long.

Try cardboard, but not newspaper. Crushed cardboad boxes burn longer and hotter.

Answer 8

use firelighters or kindling (small bits of dry wood).
build a little pyramid of coal over the firelighter.

Answer 9

tats easy dude just get sum newspaper rolled up in wee balls wit sum small dry sticks oon top wit bits of firelighter inbtween them then light the firelighter nd place small bits of coal round it then when its lit add larger bits

Answer 10

Ricky's right.

You can even sprinkle some white spirit on the paper and sticks before you light it, to give it a kick start.