Have you ever seen coal burn? If yes, why?

Yes, growing up. Even saw it get made, though I don't remember much. Perks of being part of the peasantry I suppose...

We had to make it ourselves because it was too expensive to buy. Used a little bit for everything, cooking, heating, making booze.
Then things changed, laws passed, gas became cheaper and coal-making was forgotten because it was too much work for too little gain.