In the 1980's Boston was plagued by a series of arson fires started by a group of arsonists who were angered by the passing of Proposition 2 1/2. This cut the number of companies from 77 to 55 and 500 firefighters were laid off. This ring was indicted for starting 219 fires and causing 360 injuries. I recommend "Boston on Fire by' Stephanie Schorow for the complete story. The ring consisted of cops, sparks, fire-fighter wanna-be's. Some were so extreme in their actions the Boston Sparks denied them membership. They later burned down their headquarters in Southie.