Abstract: An improved burner for reducing formation of nitric oxide in pulverized fuel furnaces, particularly coal furnaces. Aerodynamic spoilers extend into the wake of the primary air and fuel line to produce fuel-rich and air-rich zones near the burner. Less near-burner adiabatic combustion occurs and that which does occur, occurs fuel-rich. This reduces both the thermal formation of NO.sub.x and the chemically bound fuel nitrogen conversion to NO.sub.x. The improved apparatus may be readily added to existing burners with a minimum of modification, or incorporated into new burner designs.