AN inquiry opened tasked with determining responsibility for a fire in Johannesburg that killed 77 people, exposing the living conditions of the victims and throwing a spotlight on gangs that seize abandoned buildings and rent them out. One of the worst disasters in living memory in South Africa's economic hub, the blaze broke out on August 31 in a dilapidated building crammed with mostly foreign migrants. Many of the victims were burned beyond recognition. Lucas Thipe, a platoon commander with the City of Johannesburg fire service, recounted his experience to the inquiry. The fire appeared "abnormal", the flames violent and…