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WWII Shells Surface in Wildfire-Ravaged French Village
Deminers have recovered about 400 shells and ammunition pieces as residents wait for clearance to return to sealed neighborhoods.
- On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, authorities in Le Porge, France, continued demining operations after wildfires in the Gironde region exposed a hidden cache of Second World War-era shells.
- The blaze near Bordeaux burned more than 40,000 hectares in about 10 days, destroying more than 180 homes in Porge and exposing munitions previously unknown to the municipality.
- Mayor of Le Porge Martial Zaninetti reported around 400 shells recovered, stating, "Shells exploded; some went left and right, crossed areas. One even went through a house."
- Two housing estates remain sealed off with warning signs reading: "Absolute danger of death, shells present." Fire commander Thomas Mimiague said, "We don't really know why they're there; we think they were just abandoned."
- Deminers have recovered 75 shells since Friday, with more believed to remain in the soil; once the area is fully secured, the munitions will be taken to a military site for destruction.
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27 Articles
27 Articles
WWII shells surface in wildfire-ravaged French village
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.
·Pennsylvania, United States
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During the fire, deflagrations resounded, first confused with the explosion of gas cylinders.
·Montreal, Canada
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After the discovery and explosion of numerous shells in the commune of Porge at the time of the fire, the deminers activated to clean an area of five hectares completely covered with old shells.
·France
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Demining operations have been carried out for several days to ensure the full return of the inhabitants.
·Paris, France
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources27
Leaning Left4Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 27%
C 46%
R 27%
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