A wildfire in the Gironde region of southern France has revealed a significant cache of historic munitions buried beneath the village of Le Porge. Local authorities identified roughly 400 shells and explosives from World War Two, both German and French in origin, including mortar shells and anti-tank ordnance. The discovery emerged after more than 100 explosive detonations were heard during the second night of the fire, which local officials initially attributed to gas cylinders but later determined to be historically buried weapons ignited by the heat.
The mayor of Le Porge, Martial Zaninetti, indicated that the ammunition depots had been buried on municipal land without the knowledge of current residents. He described projectiles traveling unpredictably during the explosions, with some striking homes in the area. The unexpected detonations caused considerable concern during an already dangerous situation, with the mayor characterizing the sound as resembling warfare.
Demining operations have since allowed most residents to return to their properties, though certain areas remain cordoned off for safety reasons. As of Monday, access to the ocean, a local campsite, and the neighboring village of La Jenny remained restricted. The wildfire destroyed more than 180 houses in the immediate area before being brought under control after approximately 10 days of burning.
The Gironde region experienced one of its most significant forest fires since World War Two, with approximately 42,000 hectares consumed by flames. The incident was part of a broader wildfire crisis affecting multiple European nations over a two-week period, with France and Spain experiencing the most severe impact. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu commended firefighting efforts and noted that recovery operations had entered a new phase, with evacuated residents gradually returning to their homes.
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