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 Minnesota, arson is considered a serious felony offense, and the state statutes categorize it into different degrees based on the severity of the act and its consequences. First-degree arson, the most severe, involves the intentional burning of a dwelling or a building when there is a reasonable belief that people may be present inside, or if the fire causes injury or death. Lesser degrees of arson may involve property damage without endangering life. The motive behind arson, such as insurance fraud, can influence the charges and penalties. If the arson involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, it may also be prosecuted under federal law, which prohibits using fire or explosives to damage or destroy such property. Penalties for arson in Minnesota vary according to the degree of the offense and can include imprisonment, fines, and restitution.