The first golden rule of charcoal grilling is that fire requires oxygen, oxygen is maintained through proper venting. So, when you set up your griller, make sure your charcoal is well vented. This is charcoal grilling 101, always make an oxygen-rich environment. The second golden rule is cleanliness. Never ever cook in a dirty grill, you might be stuck in the middle of a sewer (beware of natural methane) but the grill must be clean. This means a clean ash box, a clean firebox, and clean grates.