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 Maryland, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state categorizes arson into different degrees based on the severity of the act and its consequences. First-degree arson involves the intentional burning of a dwelling or structure where there is a presence or likelihood of human occupancy, and it carries severe penalties, including imprisonment. Second-degree arson covers the intentional burning of structures like barns, warehouses, or vehicles, and also carries significant penalties. If the arson results in physical injury or death, the charges and subsequent penalties can be even more severe. Additionally, Maryland law addresses the issue of malicious burning, which is the intentional destruction of property by fire or explosion, and this can be charged in the first or second degree as well, with varying penalties. On the federal level, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects such commerce. The federal arson statute can be applied when the offense crosses state lines or has a federal nexus.