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 Indiana, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state statutes define different levels of arson based on the circumstances and potential harm caused by the act. For instance, if the arson results in bodily injury or death, the charges and penalties are more severe. Indiana law also recognizes arson with the intent to defraud, such as when someone intentionally sets fire to their property to collect insurance money. This is also treated as a felony, with varying degrees of punishment depending on the specifics of the crime, such as the value of the property damaged and whether human life was endangered. Additionally, under federal law, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects any activity involving interstate or foreign commerce. This means that if the property burned has a connection to commercial activity across state lines or with other countries, federal charges could also apply, potentially leading to more severe penalties.