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 Pennsylvania (PA), arson is considered a serious criminal offense and is codified under the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The state recognizes different degrees of arson, which vary based on the intent, the type of property damaged, and the consequences of the act. For example, arson that endangers persons, such as when the property is occupied or when someone is injured or killed as a result of the fire, is treated more severely and can lead to first-degree felony charges. Arson committed with the intent to collect insurance proceeds, known as arson-for-profit, is also a felony and can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, Pennsylvania law addresses the burning of one's own property with the intent to defraud as a separate offense. Federal law complements state law by criminalizing the act of using fire or explosives to damage or destroy property used in interstate or foreign commerce, or in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce. The federal aspect typically comes into play when the arson affects trade or commerce across state lines.