Forest Fire in France Reveals Hidden WWII Ammunition

A massive forest fire near Bordeaux, southwestern France, uncovered World War II shells in Le Porge village. All residents returned home on Monday after extensive demining operations.

Local authorities report that approximately 400 shells and ammunition pieces have been found in the area, where flames destroyed over 180 homes. During the fire, explosions initially thought to be gas cylinders were noted, but these may have been from the uncovered shells, says fire commander Thomas Mimiague.

The BBC reported more than 100 explosions were heard on the second night of the fire. Mayor Martial Zaninetti described the blasts as resembling ‘the sound of war.’ The revealed munitions include both German and French mortar shells and some high-explosive anti-tank shells. Their presence was previously unknown, with one shell even piercing through a house.

The fires in France have been frequent this summer, especially around Bordeaux. The most severe fire since 1949 has now been controlled after burning over 99,000 acres in ten days. Fortunately, major wine estates in the region remained unaffected.

Historical occurrences of war munitions emerging in France are not new. Last year, train services in Paris halted due to the discovery of a World War II bomb near Gare du Nord station. In 2012, 1,000 Marseille residents were evacuated for the removal of a 1-ton German bomb from WWII.