Forest Fire in France Uncovers WWII Ammunition

August 4, 2026 – A significant forest fire near Bordeaux in southwestern France has exposed numerous World War II shells in the village of Le Porge. Residents returned to their homes on Monday after extensive demining operations.

Local authorities reported the discovery of approximately 400 shells and pieces of ammunition. These were found in an area where flames had destroyed over 180 homes. During the fire, several explosions were heard. Initially, these were thought to be caused by gas cylinders, but fire commander Thomas Mimiague indicated that the shells might have been responsible.

According to BBC News, over 100 explosions echoed on the second night of the fire. Mayor Martial Zaninetti described these blasts as reminiscent of war sounds, in an interview with the French news outlet, France Info. The ammunition included both German and French origin, mainly consisting of mortar shells and high-explosive anti-tank shells. There was even one reported incident where a shell pierced a house.

Mimiague suggested that the ammunition may have been abandoned during the war. The only indication of their presence was their unexpected detonation. Fires in France have been frequent since the summer began, especially around Bordeaux. This recent fire, the worst since 1949, has been contained after burning over 99,000 acres in about ten days. Fortunately, the fire did not reach the region’s renowned wine estates.

Instances of World War II munitions surfacing are not unprecedented in France. Last year, an unexploded bomb was discovered near Paris, disrupting train services around the busy Gare du Nord station. In 2012, Marseille witnessed the evacuation of about 1,000 residents for the removal of a 1-ton German bomb.