France: WWII phosphorus grenade activates in dried pond

A World War II-era M15 phosphorus grenade was activated by heat in a dried-up pond in Ramonchamp, located in the Vosges department of eastern France. The incident occurred following several consecutive summer heatwaves that caused local water levels to drop significantly.

Emergency services responded on Tuesday after a cylindrical metal object began emitting white, irritating smoke. Pyrotechnicians subsequently neutralized the device at a nearby quarry. Authorities reported that between August 10 and August 13, there were three separate interventions in the Vosges region involving military grenades discovered in dried-up or low-water bodies. Officials have advised the public not to touch such objects and to immediately notify local authorities or the gendarmerie if found.