A method of igniting a pulverized-coal annular burner flame having an internal back flow region, with the ignition energy being introduced centrally into the interior of the back flow region of the pulverized-coal annular burner flame. The ignition energy for the annular burner flame is furnished by an ignited pulverous fuel igniting flame or pilot light, which is operated with pulverous fuel having a different coarseness and/or consistency than does the primary fuel. The pulverous fuel, which is to be prepared for supplying a pulverous fuel pilot light, is withdrawn from the conduit of the primary fuel after an existing pulverizing plant. The pulverized fuel is withdrawn by means of a withdrawal device which is capable of being shut off, with the removal opening thereof being directed counter to the direction of the primary fuel flow.