The Bronx did go up in flames when landlords set their own buildings on fire as they were taking a loss on their rent controlled buildings, where the rent didn't even cover the mandatory maintenance.

> The Bronx did go up in flames when landlords set their own buildings on fire as they were taking a loss on their rent controlled buildings, where the rent didn't even cover the mandatory maintenance.

This is demonstrably wrong.

Arson was involved in 7% of the fires and almost all in already abandoned buildings.

Fire burned the bronx because city budget cuts closed fire departments, reduced fire inspections and caused hydrants to not work. FDNY administration rigged the closures to not affect the neighborhoods they lived in.

http://nypost.com/2010/05/16/why-the-bronx-burned/

@murbard2: > Could it be that some of the landlords successfully made it look like an accident to collect the insurance money?

The linked article directly refutes that claim three different ways.

Could it be that some of the landlords successfully made it look like an accident to collect the insurance money?