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 Maine, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The Maine Criminal Code classifies arson under Title 17-A, Section 802. Arson involves the intentional setting of a fire or explosion to damage or destroy property. The severity of the charge can vary based on factors such as whether the act endangered human life, the type of property involved, and the perpetrator's intent. For instance, if the arson results in bodily injury or death, the penalties are more severe. Additionally, Maine law recognizes insurance fraud as a motive for arson, which can lead to additional charges related to fraudulent insurance claims. Under federal law, arson is also a felony, and it is illegal to use fire or explosives to damage or destroy property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or any property associated with activities that affect interstate or foreign commerce. The federal jurisdiction typically comes into play when the arson affects federal property or the crime crosses state lines.