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 Mississippi, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state's legal statutes define arson as the willful and malicious burning or charring of property. Mississippi law recognizes different degrees of arson based on the circumstances of the crime, such as the type of property that was burned, whether the act endangered human life, and the perpetrator's intent. For example, arson that results in bodily injury or death can lead to more severe penalties. Additionally, if the arson is committed for the purpose of insurance fraud, this can be a factor that enhances the charges and penalties. Under federal law, arson is also a felony, and it is illegal to damage or destroy property by fire or explosives if the property is used in interstate or foreign commerce, or if the act affects interstate or foreign commerce. Penalties for arson under federal law can be severe, especially when the crime results in injury, death, or significant damage to property.