Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for burning fuel, with controlled NOx formation, in a burner-fired furnace. A fuel injection port is provided in the furnace, surrounded by a plurality of air injection ports. The fuel and combustion air are injected in such a manner as to minimize their contact in a burner tile port. The injected air establishes a vacuum within the burner tile port. The spent gas is drawn to near the fuel and air injection ports along the cylindrical surface of the burner tile port. The drawn spent gas encloses the fuel and air streams in the burner tile port. Primary combustion of the fuel is achieved by using mainly the oxygen contained in the enclosing spent gas. Secondary combustion is effected by bringing in contact the streams of the combustion air and fuel in the furnace into which burner the tile port opens.