 What caused this town to burn down? So when they say don't try this at home, this is why you shouldn't. John Gomes, an amateur blacksmith, was attempting to recreate something he'd seen on the History Channel, a bad idea I know. Gomes was trying to forge an edged blade with a method that involves bending the metal. In order to get the hot flames, it required a lit burn barrel. This got out of hand and set alight his apartment block, which was nearby. Which then, due to strong winds at the time, spread the fire around to his neighbours, eventually damaging 28 buildings. Thankfully no one was killed, but around 30 people were displaced. Gomes would plead guilty on a charge of arson. So now you know.