We have the commander at Ruby Ridge, assisted by an officer he knows will not hesitate to shoot to kill, commanding an operation against a wooden structure. The wind is hot and dry and rising. The only light inside the buildings are kerosene lamps, and not only is the structure highly flammable, but bales of hay have been used in lieu of armor. This is at best depraved indifference, but it gets worse. Lon Horiuchi is out there with a gun in his hand.
Tanks tear down the structure.
One would think any rational person would predict uncontrollable fire under those circumstances. The BATF flag is hoisted above the smoking ruin. Later an American flag is raised as well. And for six years we are told that no pyrotechnic grenades were fired. Yes, yes, we know that the Symbionese Liberation Army was burned out by use of those devices, so certainly we wouldn't use them here.