A major wildfire in the Gironde region of southwestern France revealed about 400 artillery shells and unexploded ordnance from World War II in the village of Le Porge, where more than 180 homes were destroyed by the fire. Authorities had to rapidly conduct clearance operations before allowing residents to gradually return home.
French officials disclosed that the large wildfire in the Gironde region of southwestern France led to the discovery of approximately 400 World War II artillery shells and unexploded ordnance in the village of Le Porge, which suffered severe damage from the fire.
Bomb disposal teams worked in the area for several days before all residents were permitted to return on Monday, 3 August 2020 GMT+7, after most of the area had been inspected and the shells found on the ground were cleared.
Le Porge was among the hardest-hit areas by the wildfire, with over 180 homes destroyed. Images from the site showed burnt remains reduced to structures and debris, while authorities used reconnaissance vehicles to survey the burned zones.
The shells discovered included both German and French munitions, mostly mortar rounds and high-explosive anti-tank shells. Some measured about 30 centimeters long, were aged, rusted, and had been buried underground for decades.
Thomas Mimiak, the fire brigade commander, said that during the wildfire, officials heard multiple explosions. Initially, these were thought to be gas cylinder blasts, but later it was considered likely that the heat from the fire triggered the shells to explode.
Marc Chal Saninetti, mayor of Le Porge, said that on the second night of the wildfire, there were over 100 explosions, describing the sounds as like “the noise of war.” He admitted that even local authorities had not known about the buried wartime shells in the area.
Officials noted that the shells were not stored in official arsenals and are believed to be unexploded ordnance left behind after World War II. However, it remains unclear when and why these were abandoned in the area.
Bomb disposal teams stated the shells would be safely stored before being destroyed at a military site. Shells still buried underground will be inspected and cleared later, prioritizing the safe return of residents first.
Experts warned that old shells become more sensitive to detonation over time, and the heat from wildfires can increase the risk of these explosives activating. Therefore, some areas remain closed for safety.
Although most residents have returned home, certain areas remain off-limits, including routes to beaches, camping sites, and the village of La Jeanne, with warning signs reading “Life-threatening danger: artillery shells.”
The Gironde wildfire burned over 40,000 hectares (about 250,000 rai) in roughly 10 days before officials brought it under control. It is considered one of the most severe wildfires in France since World War II.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu thanked firefighters and said the situation in Gironde is entering a “new phase,” with evacuated residents gradually returning to their homes.
Severe wildfires have also occurred in multiple parts of Europe, especially in France and Spain over the past two weeks, forcing over 330,000 people to evacuate. Experts warn that extreme heat and prolonged drought are increasing the risk and frequency of severe wildfires across Europe.
/sourceAFP/BBC/Ouest-France