Wildfires in the southern Gironde region of France have triggered an unprecedented unearthed cache of World War Two munitions in the village of Le Porge.
The blaze exposed about 400 shells—German and French mortar and anti‑tank explosives—buried beneath the village’s fields.
Firefighters say the heat detonated the old shells, causing dozens of loud blasts—more than 100 explosions on the second night—described by mayor Martial Zaninetti as “the sound of war.” Initially, the explosions were thought to be gas cylinders.
Extensive demining operations have allowed most residents to return, though key areas—the sea coast, local campsite and the hamlet of La Jenny—remain fenced off. The fires had already destroyed more than 180 homes in the village.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu praised firefighters, noting “France has stood firm in the face of an unprecedented crisis” and highlighted that residents were gradually being allowed back into the area after the fires were contained. The incident underscores lingering dangers of WWII-era munitions left by decades of conflict.
