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 New Hampshire (NH), arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state statutes define various degrees of arson based on the circumstances and the intent behind the act. Arson can be charged when someone intentionally starts a fire or causes an explosion which results in the damage or destruction of property. The severity of the charge can escalate if the arson results in injury or death, or if it endangers the life of any person, including firefighters responding to the fire. Additionally, if the motive behind the arson is insurance fraud, this can lead to specific charges related to the fraudulent activity. Under federal law, arson is also a crime when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects any activity involving interstate or foreign commerce. This means that if the property burned has a connection to commercial activity across state lines or international borders, federal charges can be applied in addition to state charges.