Why is it appropriate that war is finally declared at this point in the novel? how does this correlate with the inner Montag and his relationship to society?

When Montag flees, he hears an announcement that war has been proclaimed. Simultaneously, Montag has begun his own war. He is committed to his cause, murdered the enemy, and is on the run to survive. As society battles against itself, Montag battles against society. Throughout the book, whispers of war grow in frequency along with the strengthening of Montag's internal turmoil and disillusion. Thus, it is only fitting that the two conflicts come to a head at the same time. The book's dramatic peak occurs in this section, as Montag's house is destroyed, his marriage ends, he kills his boss, runs for his life, finds safety, and watches as the city is destroyed.