Arson is the intentional burning of property—such as a building, car, boat, crops, or trees—with criminal or fraudulent intent. The criminal intent or motive behind arson is often insurance fraud—such as when the owner of property intentionally burns it and then files an insurance claim without disclosing the owner intentionally started the fire.

Arson is a felony offense under most state laws, but there are often different degrees of severity, depending on factors such as whether the fire results in physical injury or death. Arson is also a crime under federal law, which makes it illegal to use fire or an explosive to damage or destroy property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce.

In Arizona, arson is defined under state law as the intentional and unlawful damaging of property by fire or explosion. The severity of the charge and the potential penalties depend on factors such as the type of property involved, whether the property was occupied, and whether any persons were injured as a result of the arson. Arizona law categorizes arson into different classes of felonies. For example, arson of an occupied structure is considered a Class 2 felony, which is among the more serious felonies, while arson of a structure or property is a Class 4 felony. If the arson involves personal property, the classification can range from a Class 4 to a Class 5 felony, depending on the value of the property. Additionally, arson intended to defraud an insurer is also a criminal offense in Arizona. Under federal law, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce or any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce. The federal arson statute can be applied when the arson crosses state lines or has a federal nexus.