once the hole is done, line the bottom and sides of it with flat river rock. the rocks help to hold and direct the heat towards the pig instead of loosing it into the ground around the hole. start the fire just like a campfire, use hard woods (hickory, oak, maple) not soft woods like pine. the hard woods hold the heat better and will add flavor to the pig. you need to get a good 10 - 12 inch coal base in the bottom of the hole before you put the pig in it, so start your fire early, get it going hot, and keep it going for 5-8 