The sky was ominously brownish-white as folks were seeing smoke on Tuesday around 2:00 p.m. in and around Broemmelsiek Park. The smell of smoke hung in the air.

According to New Melle Sr. Firefighter and Public Education Officer, Larry Talbot, the fire was an intentional, controlled burn by the St. Charles County Parks Department.

The Parks Department alerted the fire department ahead of time of their intentions and there was no need for firefighters to assist.