I just happen to have 2 barrels of it sitting around. Brother in law moved away 10 years ago and his wife wouldn't let him bring it or his 2 forges.
It's just nice to know that it's there if I was desperate enough to start burning it. Now I just need to come up with a way TO burn it.

The firelighter burns for 5 or 10 minutes - it's a commercial product designed for the job so it ought to make it easier. It comes as a biggish brick which you are supposed to break into small tabs. I actually break it into double-tabs. A single tab isn't enough to get the fire going, and two work best if they are close together. I can't really remember how much success I had with the paper and kindling approach; it was a long time ago that I stopped using it.

The firelighters add a significant cost to each evening's fire, and I stockpile them much as I do the coal. The grate and chimney means there is a good draft.

It's not common. I'm not very social, so I don't really know what they think.

"Do your neighbours object to coal burning, or is it commonly used in your area?"

No, they burn coal too! However I used to live in a major city in the UK that was classed as a Smokeless Zone this meant no open fires unless you were burning a special (read expensive) low smoke coal-like fuel. These zones came about from the era when lots of people burnt coal in densely populated areas and smog became an issue.

However even regular coal will burn relatively clean once the fire is established, it is only when you feed the fire with fresh coal that the smoke levels rise again temporarily.

Interesting! I seem to recall that coal burning was banned in Victorian London when Parliament was in session, because the MPs didn't want to breathe in all that smog.

I have one of my small coal stoves mostly together and installed in a cabin. I think I'll try to fire it up this weekend. Might even try to post some pics.

Just a side note. Coal is graded by checking it for sulphur content, how much ash it produces and BTU output.

Low-sulphur, low-ash high BTU coal is more expensive since it burns hotter, burns more completely and puts out less raw material for the formation of acid rain.

If you go to buy some coal, be sure to ask for the content ratings.

what about storing bags of charcoal for an emergency?

You mean charcoal briquettes? The BBQ type?

Well, if you kept them dry, they would keep just about indefinitely. And they would provide a slow, even heat when burned in a wood stove. You could also cook with them of course.

In mild climates, charcoal in a fireplace would break the chill and be cheery to boot. But it would take quite a large volume to keep a house warm in a three-day blizzard.

Unless you were able to buy charcoal in bulk, I think the cost would be a killer.

understandable with the cost, was just thinking that it could be a viable option

I think you're right: it is a viable option. It's hardwood, after all, and puts out a lot of heat. The only question, from a planning perspective, is whether it gives the most bang for the buck. But in an emergency I'd be very glad to have it. And of course it's easier to justify because it's dual purpose (always be prepared for Steak).

Anybody know an inexpensive, bulk source for charcoal?

Dougwalkabout is right about keeping the charcoal dry. The big danger is that if it gets damp/wet, it has been known to spontaneously combust. Don't think that is a good thing. Aside from the cost, an unintended fire could be a killer too.

Coal is safer.