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 Louisiana (LA), arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state's criminal code categorizes arson based on the severity of the act and the consequences that ensue. For instance, Louisiana law distinguishes between simple arson, aggravated arson, and arson with intent to defraud. Simple arson involves the intentional damaging by any explosive substance or setting fire to any property of another without the owner's consent. Aggravated arson is charged when the arson creates a foreseeable human risk or injury, such as when the property is inhabited or when firefighters or other individuals are present. Arson with intent to defraud is specifically related to acts like insurance fraud, where the property owner intentionally sets fire to their property to claim insurance money. Penalties for arson in Louisiana vary depending on the specific charge and can include significant fines and imprisonment. Additionally, under federal law, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects such commerce, and can result in federal charges with severe consequences.