France wildfires reveal hundreds of WW2 shells in village - BBC News

Explosions heard in Le Porge as the wildfires raged are believed to have have been the old munitions.

Image source, ReutersImage caption, A mother and son inspect the surrounds of their home in Le Porge on Monday, after it was destroyed in a wildfire

Wildfires in the south of France have revealed a cache of 400 historic shells and munitions in the village of Le Porge, according to local authorities.

Blasts during the fires, initially thought to be exploding gas cylinders, may have been World War Two explosives detonated by the heat, the local fire commander told local media.

More than 100 explosions were heard on the second night of the fire, Mayor Martial Zaninetti told French news outlet France Info, likening it to "the sound of war".

Demining operations have now seen most residents return to their homes, however the mayor has said certain areas are still off-limits. More than 180 houses in the area were destroyed by the wildfire.