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 Utah, arson is defined as the intentional burning of property with criminal or fraudulent intent, such as for insurance fraud. Utah law categorizes arson into different degrees based on the severity of the act and its consequences. First-degree arson, which is the most serious, involves burning that causes bodily injury or damage to inhabited structures and is considered a first-degree felony. Lesser degrees of arson may be charged when the property damage is less severe or does not result in injury or death. Additionally, arson is a federal crime when it involves property used in interstate or foreign commerce. The federal arson law is applicable when the offense affects interstate or foreign commerce, and it is prosecuted by federal authorities. Penalties for arson at both the state and federal levels can include imprisonment, fines, and restitution.