Boston Arson Ring scandal peaks.

Boston firefighters are called to 133 fires on a single day. A few weeks later, a letter sent to a Boston television station signed by Mr. Flare, that threatens the fires will continue “till all deactivated police and fire equipment” [lost due to budget cuts resulting from Proposition 2 1/2] is brought back.” For the next two years, the city experiences 264 arson fires that injure 360 people, and cause $30 million in property damage. Nine men, including the chief investigator in the state fire marshal’s office and the former head of the Boston arson squad, are subsequently convicted of participating in the arson ring.