CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — What’s that smell? Viewers are reporting a smokey smell in west St. Louis County. Meteorologist Chris Higgins reports that this is likely from smoke being blown in from the south, where several new wildfires have popped up in the Mark Twain National Forest. Winds are blowing that smoke north.
The Pidgeon Roost Fire in the Mark Twain National Forest is burning around 30 acres of land near Potosi, Missouri. The fire has been active since Monday night.
There are several more fires south west of St. Louis. A wildfire, known as the “Sugar Fire,” is also burning in the Mark Twain Forest, approximately 12 miles southwest of Ava, Missouri. This fire is likely to impact both drivers and forest visitors over the next several days.
The National Weather Service says that there is an increased threat of wildfires today because of the high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Avoid open flames, properly dispose of cigarettes, and leave any burning activities to fire management professionals.