In “The Fires” author Joe Flood looks at the War Years in the Bronx,a period of time when the FDNY literally fought fires in building after building, non-stop, as the Bronx burned. Flood takes a different look than any previous author for he makes the argument that a think tank, a computer program and some ambitious politicians were responsible for the fires. This counters the commonly held belief that arson was the main problem. Flood writes in an easy to read manner, mixing in stories of units responding to fires with a determined look into the RAND Corporation. He guides the reader through the difficult maze of political and sociological connections, presenting a compelling read that is educational and thought provoking. For those who know the War Years or have an interest in the destruction of a borough this is a must read. Joe Flood is an author who you hope will cover another issue we have taken for granted over the years. We have given away one copy of The Fires and will give another away Monday to first person to follow us on Twitter after midnight.
