France wildfires reveal hundreds of WW2 shells in village
A wildfire in Le Porge, France, has exposed a hidden cache of 400 unexploded World War II munitions. The heat from the fire triggered over 100 explosions, causing significant damage to local homes and forcing temporary evacuations.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing danger of legacy ordnance in post-conflict zones and the risks posed by climate-driven natural disasters in areas with buried historical hazards.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, A mother and son inspect the surrounds of their home in Le Porge on Monday, after it was destroyed in a wildfire
A forest fire in the south of France has revealed a cache of 400 historic shells and munitions in the village of Le Porge, according to local authorities.
Blasts, initially thought to be exploding gas cylinders, may have been World War Two explosives detonated by the heat of the fires, the local fire commander told local media.
More than 100 explosions were heard on the second night of the fire, Mayor Martial Zaninetti told French news outlet France Info, likening it to "the sound of war".
Demining operations have now seen most residents return to their homes, however the mayor has said certain areas are still off-limits. More than 180 houses in the area were destroyed by the wildfire.
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