A wildfire in southwest France has uncovered unexploded World War II shells, prompting bomb disposal teams to secure the area before residents can safely return home.

Video showed scorched ground littered with wartime ammunition as specialists searched for and collected shells near residential properties.

Officials said some munitions exploded in the extreme heat, sending shrapnel into nearby buildings and forcing the creation of a safety zone.

Crews are removing visible explosives before carrying out a more thorough clearance operation once conditions are safe.