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 Rhode Island, arson is considered a serious felony offense. The state's legal statutes categorize arson based on the severity of the act and its consequences. For instance, if the arson results in bodily injury or death, the penalties are more severe. Rhode Island law specifically addresses arson in several statutes, such as setting fire to certain properties like buildings, bridges, or boats, with varying degrees of punishment depending on factors like whether the property was occupied or whether the act was committed for fraudulent purposes, such as insurance fraud. Additionally, federal law also addresses arson, particularly when the property involved is used in interstate or foreign commerce, or the arson affects such commerce. Under federal law, using fire or explosives to damage or destroy such property is a criminal act, and those convicted can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.