Story perspectives

Wildfires Reveal WWII Shells, Prompt Bomb Disposal Teams

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Germany’s Munitionsbergungsdienst sent bomb-disposal teams to aid firefighters in Müritz National Park after Cold War munitions were found.
A 42,000-hectare fire in Gironde, France uncovered at least 75 World War II shells, some detonated and one pierced a house wall; Mayor Martial Zaninetti said no records exist.
Europe’s soils hold unexploded ordnance from World War I, World War II and the Cold War, including France’s Zone Rouge and Germany’s former Soviet training grounds.

1 of 1

Story summary

Germany’s Munitionsbergungsdienst sent bomb-disposal teams to aid firefighters in Müritz National Park after Cold War munitions were found.
A 42,000-hectare fire in Gironde, France uncovered at least 75 World War II shells, some detonated and one pierced a house wall; Mayor Martial Zaninetti said no records exist.
Europe’s soils hold unexploded ordnance from World War I, World War II and the Cold War, including France’s Zone Rouge and Germany’s former Soviet training grounds.