France Wildfires Uncover 400 WWII Munitions in Le Porge Village
Wildfires that burned through the Gironde region have revealed a cache of more than four hundred World War Two shells in the village of Le Porge.
Explosions triggered by the blaze were first assumed to be gas cylinders, but the fire commander confirmed the blasts came from WWII munitions that detonated under the heat.
The mayor reported that over a hundred explosions sounded on the second night of the fire, resembling the noises of war.
Demining operations are underway; most residents are returning home, yet certain areas—such as the ocean, a nearby campsite, and the village of La Jenny—remain off limits to the public.
Historic weapons, both German and French, were found, including mortar and anti‑tank shells, as detailed by French media.
The discovery occurs after a forest fire that scorched an estimated 42,000 hectares, continuing for roughly ten days and prompting emergency evacuation of over 330,000 people across France and Spain.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu praised firefighters for their efforts, noting that France has stood firm amid an unprecedented crisis as the country moves into a new phase of recovery.
