There are many details regarding the coal fire which are beyond the scope of this example. Like most every other aspect of the blacksmiths craft, there is no "one way" to do this. Many smiths start their fires with balled up newsprint. While others use kindling wood and build the fire in a manner similar to a camp fire. Try several different methods and see what works best for you.
     Always remember that a coal fire is a potential hazard of the most dangerous kind! It is a source of extreme heat, open flames and can generate poisonous gases like carbon monoxide. Proper ventilation is of paramount importance and a fire extinguisher should always be near to hand.
     Learn all you can about using a coal fire, as the fire is the most important tool of the blacksmith. I would suggest "The New Edge of the Anvil" by Jack Andrews as a good guide to the tools, techniques and theory behind working with coal. (ISBN# 1-879535-09-2 available from Norm Larson Books - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )