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 Oklahoma, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state statutes categorize arson into different degrees based on the severity of the act and its consequences. First-degree arson involves the willful and malicious burning of an inhabited building, and it is punishable by up to 35 years in prison. Second-degree arson covers the burning of an uninhabited building and carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison. Third-degree arson applies to the burning of any property with intent to defraud, such as for insurance purposes, and can result in up to 15 years of imprisonment. Fourth-degree arson involves recklessly burning someone else's property and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the act of arson results in physical injury or death, the penalties can be more severe. Additionally, under federal law, arson is illegal when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or affects such commerce, and can lead to federal charges with significant penalties.