Wildfires in southwestern France uncovered a buried cache of World War II munitions in the village of Le Porge, setting off more than 100 explosions and prompting bomb‑disposal teams to recover over 400 shells. The blaze led to the evacuation of most of the village's roughly 3,500 residents in July and destroyed more than 180 homes. Nationwide, fires have consumed over 617 square miles, and heat and dry conditions have also worsened blazes across Spain, Greece and Italy.
Wildfire in Southwest France Exposes Buried WWII Munitions — 100+ Explosions Rattle Le Porge
A handout photo made available by the Fire and Rescue Departmental Service 33 shows firefighters crew battling a fire near Le Porge, France, on Wednesday as a wildfire rages through the forest in Gironde. File Photo by Benoit Vega/SDIS33/EPA
Intense wildfires in southwestern France have unearthed a cache of World War II munitions beneath the village of Le Porge, triggering more than 100 explosions and prompting a major bomb‑disposal operation, local officials said.
Explosions, Evacuations and Recovery
On the second night of the blaze, residents heard what Mayor Martial Zaninetti described as "the sound of war" as dozens of shells detonated. Firefighters and emergency teams later located and secured the site; Civil Protection specialists worked with bomb disposal crews to recover more than 400 shells and other munitions.
"The sound of the explosions helped us locate the ordnance," Philippe Delemotte, head of Bordeaux's bomb disposal unit, told France Info. "We sometimes come across old munitions, but here they are scattered almost everywhere, which is unusual and dangerous."
The wildfire forced the evacuation of most of Le Porge's roughly 3,500 residents in July; many have since returned but areas where munitions were found remain off-limits while clearance continues. The blazes destroyed more than 180 homes in Le Porge, officials said.
Wider Fire Activity and Weather Conditions
France's Bordeaux region and neighboring parts of Spain have been hit hard by wildfires in recent weeks amid hot, dry conditions. Authorities reported that fires have burned more than 617 square miles across France. Blazes have also spread in Greece and Italy, and temperatures across parts of Eastern and Central Europe were forecast to be 18 to 27°F above normal in coming days — conditions that increase fire risk and complicate suppression efforts.
Authorities emphasized the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance exposed by the fires and urged residents to avoid restricted zones while specialized teams complete clearance and disposal operations.
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