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 Georgia, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state categorizes arson into three degrees, with first-degree arson being the most severe. First-degree arson occurs when a person knowingly by means of fire or explosive, damages or causes an explosion to any dwelling house, whether occupied, unoccupied, or vacant, or any building, vehicle, railroad car, watercraft, or other structure designed for use as the dwelling of another. Second-degree arson involves knowingly damaging or causing an explosion to any other type of property other than a dwelling, with the intent to destroy or damage the property for an unlawful purpose. Third-degree arson involves intentionally setting a fire or causing an explosion which damages any personal property with a value of $25 or more, with the intent to damage or destroy it for an unlawful purpose. The severity of the punishment for arson in Georgia depends on the degree of the offense and can include imprisonment, fines, and restitution. Additionally, if arson results in bodily harm or death, penalties can be more severe. Federal law also prohibits arson, particularly when it affects interstate or foreign commerce, and carries its own set of penalties that can be imposed in addition to state law sanctions.