A method for controlling an engine involves an engine control unit determining that a three-stage heat release in a cylinder in the engine should be performed. Responsive to the determination that the three-stage heat release will not occur within the cylinder, the engine control unit adjusts conditions within the cylinder in such a manner to cause the three-stage heat release within the cylinder. The engine control unit monitors conditions in the cylinder during a second stage heat release of the three-stage heat release. The engine control unit adjusts conditions in the cylinder during the second stage heat release to terminate reactions in the cylinder at an end of the second stage heat release.