A severe forest fire in the Gironde region of southern France unexpectedly exposed buried World War Two ammunition caches in the village of Le Porge, with approximately 400 shells and munitions ignited by the intense heat. Residents experienced over 100 explosions during the fire, with some projectiles travelling across the area and damaging structures. The buried weapons, which included German and French ordnance such as mortar and anti-tank shells, had been hidden for decades before the fire detonated them, prompting immediate demining operations.

The wildfire consumed approximately 42,000 hectares across southwestern France over roughly ten days, making it among the largest blazes since World War Two and forcing evacuations of over 330,000 people across France and Spain. Whilst demining efforts allowed most residents to return to their homes, certain areas remain restricted as a precaution. The French government, through Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, acknowledged the unprecedented scale of the crisis whilst emphasising progress in containing the fire and supporting displaced residents.