Wildfires Uncover WWII Munitions Cache in French Village

Sun Sep 06 2026 09:23:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A series of forest fires in Le Porge revealed 400 abandoned World War Two shells, sparking explosions and new demining efforts.

The south‑west village of Le Porge saw a startling discovery after a week of raging forest fires: about 400 old shells and munitions from the Second World War were unearthed. Explosions during the blaze, initially blamed on gas cylinders, were later linked to these unexploded ordnance, prompting 100‑plus detonations that rang like distant war. Local authorities have cleared many residents, though certain sites remain closed while deminers work. The incident highlights the lingering risks of wartime remnants as climate‑driven fires spread across France.

Wildfires uncover WWII munitions cache in French village

The aftermath of a week‑long blaze in the Gironde region of France exposed a hidden cache of more than 400 World War Two shells and other explosives in the village of Le Porge.

Burned ground in Le Porge — A mother and son inspect the charred remains of their home after the wildfire.

What began as typical forest fire blasts were later identified as detonations of German and French M 14‑35 munitions brought to the area by the heat. Local fire commander Dorianan Yevin told residents that more than a hundred explosions were heard on the second night of the fire, a sound described by mayor Martial Zaninetti as “the sound of war.”

Demining crews have cleared most houses, but safety zones still prevent access to parts of the sea, a campsite and the tourist area of La Jenny. Over 180 houses suffered damage, yet many residents are slowly returning to their homes amidst ongoing safety checks.

The mayor recovered wires describing explosions “to the right, to the left” and that one detonation “went through a house.” The discovery sheds light on the long‑term danger posed by wartime munitions in Europe, especially when modern natural disasters trigger old arsenals.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu praised firefighters for their prompt action, noting “France has stood firm in the face of an unprecedented crisis.” He commented that as the threat wanes, evacuees are gradually resettling, emphasizing the country’s resilience against one of the largest forest fires since World War Two.