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WWII Shells Emerge From Wildfire Scars
4 Aug
Summary
- Hundreds of World War II shells found in Le Porge after fires.
- Wildfires exposed unexploded munitions, causing explosions.
- Residents evacuated and later returned to the affected community.
Hundreds of World War II shells and munitions have been discovered in the French village of Le Porge following devastating wildfires last month. Explosions were heard near the village, prompting a bomb disposal operation that recovered more than 400 shells. These munitions were likely unearthed from historic demolition pits due to the intense heat of the fires.
During the July wildfires, the majority of Le Porge's 3,500 residents were evacuated. Upon returning, officials found the scattered explosives, establishing an exclusion zone due to the danger of shrapnel. French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as the most severe recorded since World War II. Fires are still active in coastal areas but are contained.
This discovery highlights how unexploded ordnance from the war continues to be found across Europe decades later. Similarly, receding waters in Hungary's Danube River have revealed World War II bombs. Authorities have assessed safety in Le Porge, allowing residents to return to affected neighborhoods.
