NOVELTY - The fuel cell has fuel cell stack which is arranged in fuel cell module. Partial oxidation (POX) reforming of fuel is carried out by chemically reacting fuel and oxidizing agent gas. Hydrogen is generated by modifier. Combustion chamber is arranged in fuel cell module. Oxidizing agent gas is supplied to modifier. Water is supplied for modification to modifier. Control unit is equipped with local temperature-rise suppression circuit to suppress local temperature rise of modifier by inducing steam reforming, when the excess temperature rise generated within modifier.    USE - SOFC for fuel cell apparatus.    ADVANTAGE - The life of the modifier can be extended or damage to the modifier can be prevented reliably, by suppressing the temperature irregularity of the modifier. The rapid temperature fall by the increase in thermal absorption and reduction of heat generation occurring simultaneously can be avoided.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The modifier is provided with evaporation portion to which the oxidizing agent gas for reformation is supplied from the oxidizing agent gas supply apparatus, while evaporating the water supplied from water supply apparatus. The modification portion is provided to modify fuel according to catalyst. The fuel and oxidizing agent gas supplied from fuel supply apparatus and oxidizing agent gas supply apparatus is flowed into the upstream of modification portion through evaporation portion. The modification of the fuel by partial oxidation reforming reaction of the control apparatus is attained. Ratio of carbon and oxygen in the oxidizing agent gas is set in preset range. Fuel supply apparatus and oxidizing agent gas supply apparatus are controlled, so that ratio of water to modifier is changed, before the temperature in fuel cell module rises to the temperature range area. Fuel is injected into combustion chamber. The local temperature-rise suppression circuit is provided to control water supply apparatus. Water is supplied to modifier continuously or intermittently.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a graphical representation illustrating the operation during starting of fuel cell apparatus. (Drawing includes non-English language text)