This article examines the burning of stoichiometric mixtures of alkaline, alkaline-earth, and ammonium nitrites with carbon. The results are compared with data for analogous mixtures containing nitrates. The effects of the specimen density on the mass combustion rate is investigated in order to establish the combustion mechanism. Mixtures in which the charcoal was replaced by wood flour were examined in order to establish the catalytic role of the charcoal in the combustion. The role of catalysts is considered when they are introduced into the mixture in the form of nitrites, which act simultaneously as oxidants, and when they are added to stoichiometric mixtures. The relation between thermochemical characteristics, combustion rate, and the catalyst mechanism is also considered. The derivative recording of the decomposition of nitrites and mixtures based on them were performed in order to establish a correlation between thermal decomposition and combustion. It is determined that the addition of charcoal and sulfur accelerated thermal decomposition and combustion.