August 4, 2026 / 8:17 AM EDT
/ CBS/AFP
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A huge forest fire near Bordeaux in southwestern France has revealed World War II shells in the village of Le Porge, where all residents returned to their homes on Monday after days of demining operations. Around 400 shells and pieces of ammunition have been recovered in the area where over 180 homes were destroyed by flames, according to local authorities. During the fire, blasts were heard, initially mistaken for exploding gas cylinders, but they may have been these shells, according to fire commander Thomas Mimiague.According to BBC News, more than 100 explosions were heard on the second night of the fire, and Mayor Martial Zaninetti told French news outlet France Info the blasts were similar to "the sound of war."
Shells from World War II in Le Porge, France, on Aug. 3, 2026, after the discovery of projectiles in the town.
