Wildfire in France Exposes 400 WWII Munitions in Le Porge

Mon Sep 07 2026 02:19:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A wildfire in southern France uncovered 400 historic shells, forcing residents into evacuation and sparking new safety concerns.

A blaze that burned for 10 days in the Gironde region has revealed a cache of 400 World War Two munitions buried under the village of Le Porge. The blasts, heard by locals as the sound of war, began when the heat of the flames detonated the old explosives. Over 180 houses were destroyed, but most residents have returned after demining crews cleared the area, though some zones remain off‑limits. French officials and the Prime Minister praised firefighters for their efforts and acknowledged the escalating crisis across Europe.

Wildfire in France Exposes 400 WWII Munitions in Le Porge

A wildfire that erupted in southern France’s Gironde region has turned a small village into a scene from the past. 400 unexploded World War Two shells, including German and French mortar and anti‑tank munitions, were uncovered beneath the burn‑scarred earth of Le Porge.

A mother and son inspecting the remains of their home after fire damage

The flames, which roared for 10 days, caused the heat to trigger the detonation of the hidden explosives. More than 100 explosions were heard during the second night, the mayor said, “the sound of war.” The local fire commander described the blasts as initially mistaken for exploding gas cylinders.

Demining crews have worked through the area, allowing most residents to return home. However, the mayor has kept certain zones – including an ocean access point, a campsite, and the village of La Jenny – off limits for safety reasons.

France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, praised the firefighting efforts and highlighted the “new phase” of the battle against the wildfires. The country’s 42,000 hectares of burnt land mark one of the largest forest fire events since the Second World War. Across Europe, more than 330,000 people were evacuated.

The discovery has raised concerns about other lands in war‑torn regions and the hidden dangers they might still hold. As the demining crews continue to clear the villages, the community remains cautious, preparing for further potential risks.