Abstract: An article and composition for the rapid ignition of coal or charcoal-type fires in a coal stove or a charcoal grill, which composition comprises a tray composed of a stiffened, combustible, cellulosic, fibrous material impregnated with a solidifiable, combustible hydrocarbon material, such as a paraffin wax, and a plurality of charcoal-type briquettes optionally impregnated with a combustible hydrocarbon material, such as paraffin wax, the charcoal briquettes positioned in the tray, so that the article may be ignited to provide a starter fire for a charcoal-type grill fire. Optionally the tray may include a pressed wood fiber board material therein.