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 Jersey, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state categorizes arson into different degrees based on the severity of the act and its consequences. For instance, arson that endangers human life is typically treated more severely than arson that damages property without risking lives. Factors such as whether the arson resulted in bodily injury, death, or was committed for the purpose of insurance fraud can influence the degree of the charge and the severity of the penalties. New Jersey law also recognizes aggravated arson, which involves intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion, thereby recklessly placing another person in danger of death or bodily injury, or with the purpose of destroying a building or structure. Additionally, federal law criminalizes arson when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects any activity involving interstate or foreign commerce. Penalties under federal law can be severe, including imprisonment, fines, or both.