I have a charcoal lighter similar to Kevin's, except it has no holes in the sides. I stuff balled up newspaper in the bottom, place the charcoal on top of the paper and light the paper from the bottom. The flame from the burning paper goes up (naturally) and ignites the charcoal. After the paper has burned out, and the charcoal drops down, I can add more charcoal on top. It if has't gotten going fast enouth go suit me, I apply some flame from my propane torch up from the bottom and down from the top. That sure gets it going. Who needs matches to start a campfire when you have a propane torch?