Although it is not traditional, I find that it is much easier to light a coal fire by using a few charcoal briquettes. The best brand to use is "Matchlight,"or similar briquettes, because they do not require any liquid fuel. You can use any type of briquette you wish, however, just add the lighter fluid to the briquettes before you place them in the fire pot.
     Pouring flammable liquids into a forge is never a good idea. The fluid can pool in low spots and later ignite explosively.
     Use about a half dozen briquettes and place them in a small pyramid over the tuyere (grate). There must be enough space between the briquettes to allow the air to flow through them.