Born in Flames

"Born in Flames" by Bench Ansfield examines the wave of arson that devastated American cities, particularly the Bronx, in the 1970s, revealing that most fires were set by landlords seeking insurance payouts rather than residents. The book explores how these harmful practices, termed "brownlining," contributed to the destruction of poor communities of color and shaped the urban landscape, drawing parallels to contemporary issues involving insurance, race, and climate vulnerability. Through extensive research, Ansfield also highlights tenant resistance movements and the cultural responses to this turbulent period.