More than 400 World War II-era artillery shells and other unexploded munitions have been discovered in the village of Le Porge in southwestern France after recent wildfires exposed their location.

Bomb disposal experts removed the explosives on Monday after residents reported hearing multiple explosions. Officials said an initial cache of 75 shells was found last week, but further searches uncovered hundreds more, including French mortar bombs and German artillery shells.

Authorities believe the intense heat from the wildfires caused some of the aging munitions to detonate, revealing the larger stockpile. A security perimeter was established due to the risk of deadly shrapnel if additional explosives detonated.

Residents were allowed to return home Monday after safety officials determined the area was secure. The discovery comes as France continues to battle one of the worst wildfire seasons in its history, with more than 160,000 hectares burned nationwide.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)