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World War II explosives emerge and detonate in wildfire-ravaged village in France: "Sound of war"
CBS News • • world
Key Points:
- A massive forest fire near Bordeaux, France, uncovered around 400 World War II shells in the village of Le Porge, prompting extensive demining efforts before residents could return.
- The fire destroyed over 180 homes, and blasts heard during the fire, initially thought to be gas cylinders, were likely caused by exploding munitions buried in the area.
- The recovered ammunition includes German and French mortar shells and high-explosive anti-tank shells, believed to have been abandoned and buried unknown to locals.
- More than 100 explosions were reported during the fire, with the mayor describing the sounds as reminiscent of war, including one shell that penetrated a house.
- The Bordeaux region has faced numerous fires this summer, with the recent blaze being the worst since 1949, burning over 99,000 acres but sparing major wine estates.
