A wildfire in Le Porge, France, has revealed hundreds of World War II shells and munitions. Explosions, initially mistaken for gas leaks, are now believed to be detonated explosives. Demining operations are underway, with some areas remaining off-limits.
The discovery highlights the hidden dangers that can be unearthed by natural disasters and underscores the ongoing risks associated with unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, impacting community safety and recovery efforts.
A wildfire in the village of Le Porge in southern France has uncovered a significant cache of approximately 400 World War II-era shells and munitions. Local authorities reported that explosions heard during the fire, initially attributed to gas cylinders, are now believed to be the heat-detonated historic explosives. Mayor Martial Zaninetti described the sound of over 100 explosions on the second night of the fire as akin to "the sound of war," with some munitions reportedly penetrating houses.
Demining operations have commenced, allowing most residents to return to their homes, though certain areas remain inaccessible. The wildfire itself destroyed over 180 houses in the region. The discovered weapons comprised both German and French mortar and anti-tank shells. The fire in the Gironde region has now been brought under control after burning for approximately 10 days. French Prime Minister Sebastien Le Cornu acknowledged the efforts of firefighters in managing the "unprecedented crisis."