Kurgan, as soon as the coke in the middle is burning, back off the air so the fire will spread. The fire will collapse in the middle because the charcoal will burn up, this is not unusual. When you first add coke it should be approximately twice the depth of the pot in height this will allow for the charcoal burning off. I wish I was there to show you it is very easy, as they say "a picture is worth a thousand words" :)