Abstract: The known method of burning solid fuel by means of a fluidized bed is improved so as to reduce the amount of generated NO.sub.x and to enhance the efficiency of combustion. Primary air, secondary air and tertiary air are respectively fed through a primary air feed port opening at the fluidized bed, through a secondary air feed port opening at a free board downstream of the fluidized bed and through a tertiary air feed port opening downstream of the secondary air feed port. The feed rates of the primary air, secondary air and tertiary air are respectively controlled so that the air ratios with respect to the theoretical amount of air after charging of the primary air, after charging of the secondary air and after charging of the tertiary air may become about 0.6-0.8, about 0.8-1.0 and about 1.0 or higher, respectively. Preferably, unburnt ash sputtered from the fluidized bed is recirculated into the fluidized bed.