Story perspectives

Residents Return After Wildfire Demining Finds 400 WWII Shells

8/4/2026

Summary

Fire officials demine

France’s fire officials allowed all Le Porge residents to return home on Monday after demining following the August 3, 2026 forest fire.
Fire crews recovered about 400 World War II shells and ammunition, mainly mortar and anti-tank shells.
Fire commander Thomas Mimiague said more than 100 explosions were heard on the second night.
Mayor Martial Zaninetti told France Info the blasts sounded like “the sound of war” and a shell passed through a house.

Summary

Scientists Link Heatwave

Scientists linked the heatwave that lifted temperatures 10-15 °C above normal to the rapid spread of Gironde wildfires.
Prefect Sophie Brocas declared a new emergency phase after the fire burned over 160,000 hectares in southwest France.
Analysts said 180 homes were lost and coastal tourism disruption could cost the region millions.
NGOs warned recurring droughts and record heat may raise future wildfire risk, urging climate-adaptation in forest plans.

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Fire officials demine

France’s fire officials allowed all Le Porge residents to return home on Monday after demining following the August 3, 2026 forest fire.
Fire crews recovered about 400 World War II shells and ammunition, mainly mortar and anti-tank shells.
Fire commander Thomas Mimiague said more than 100 explosions were heard on the second night.
Mayor Martial Zaninetti told France Info the blasts sounded like “the sound of war” and a shell passed through a house.

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