Paris,4 August (SANA) Massive wildfires near Bordeaux in southwestern France have uncovered around 400 World War II-era shells and pieces of ammunition, according to French fire officials.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted fire brigade commander Thomas Memiac as saying that approximately 400 shells and pieces of ammunition were found in the area where the wildfire destroyed more than 180 homes.
Memiac said explosions were heard during the blaze and were initially believed to have been caused by exploding gas cylinders. However, investigators now believe the blasts may have resulted from the detonation of the uncovered wartime munitions.
He said the recovered ordnance includes German and French shells, most of them mortar rounds, in addition to several high-explosive anti-tank shells.
France has experienced numerous wildfires since the beginning of the summer, particularly in the Bordeaux region. Authorities recently brought under control the most severe wildfire to affect the area since 1949, after it burned more than 40,000 hectares over nearly 10 days.
T.S /Ruaa
