Heatwave exposes active WWII grenade in France

An unusual discovery has been made in eastern France, where a World War II phosphorus grenade has been exposed by the receding waters of a pond. The pond, located in the municipality of Ramonchamp in the Vosges department, has been significantly depleted by successive heatwaves throughout the summer.

The artifact, identified as an M15 phosphorus grenade, had lain submerged for decades. However, the drastic drop in water levels left it exposed to the air and high temperatures, which triggered its activation. Firefighters responded to an alert on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after reports of a metallic object emitting white, irritating smoke.

Bomb disposal experts were called to the scene to manage the situation. They subsequently transported the grenade to a local quarry, where it was safely destroyed through a controlled detonation. The incident highlights the potential dangers lurking from past conflicts, now being unearthed by extreme weather conditions.

This discovery is not an isolated event in the Vosges region. Between August 10 and 13, authorities responded to three separate interventions involving military projectiles. These objects were revealed by lowered water levels in various bodies of water, some of which have completely dried up due to the ongoing drought. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with prolonged dry spells, as old military devices buried or submerged for years can become exposed.