100+ Underground WW2 Shells Explode During France’s Wildfire Blaze, Aug 4, 2026

[southwestforests]

Aug 4, 2026 #europeheatwave #globalwarming #WorldNews
A devastating wildfire in southern France has uncovered a hidden cache of around 400 World War II shells and munitions buried beneath the village of Le Porge. More than 100 explosions echoed through the fire zone as ammunition detonated in the intense heat, while over 180 homes were destroyed. Demining teams are now securing the area as France continues battling one of its worst wildfire seasons in decades amid a wider European wildfire crisis.

 

[DWG]

There's a lot of WWII ordnance still about, there were reportedly as many as 150 phosphorus grenades discovered in a cache in the dunes at Crimdon Dene beach earlier this year. (I was walking on the neighbouring Seaton Carew beach the day before!)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ywlwj65n6o