Abstract: The charcoal lighter device uses wadded paper or other readily combustible, non-polluting material in place of polluting charcoal lighter fluid as a fire starter. The device has a housing which includes inner and outer concentric shells surrounding a central space with open top and bottom. The shells are mounted by thermally insulative connectors, such as ceramic blocks, joined to the sidewalls of both shells. The inner shell terminates short of the outer housing bottom, defining a space for the starter material. A horizontal charcoal grate is installed at the bottom of the inner shell. A series of spaced air holes extend through the outer shell below the grate. In use, charcoal is loaded above the grate with wadded newspaper below. When lighted, one newspaper sheet serves to start the charcoal which is soon glowing and ready for barbecuing. A thermally insulative handle is connected to the outer shell. The outer shell and handle remain relatively cool and safe to touch during use of the device.