On Apr 4, 2:29*pm, Dave Smith > wrote:
> Dimitri wrote:
> > FWIW.
>
> > I live in a area where the fire danger is somewhat critical due to a lot
> > of vacant property covered with pine trees and debris.
>
> > I used to use a few sheets of wadded up newspaper and an chimney to
> > start the charcoal. *The small little newspaper embers & ash that flew
> > into the air gave me a little concern. *For sure I logically knew and
> > was 99% sure these little embers could do nothing but there was always
> > that nagging 1% doubt.
>
> > Several months ago a friend brought over a fondue set and we purchased
> > several cans of Sterno.
>
> > Well a lit *can of Sterno under the chimney for a few minutes works
> > GREAT with no smell, embers, or aftertaste.
>
> There are electric charcoal lighters that work great, handy on the patio
> but no so great for a picnic.

I used that for many years before I discovered the chimney. Now that
I mostly use wood, the electric just wouldn't work, but for starting
real wood lump charcoal the electric starters work great.

--Bryan