Arson

Arson is the crime of setting a fire with intent to cause damage. The definition, of arson, was originally limited to setting fire to buildings, but was later expanded to include other objects, such as bridges and vehicles.

Very often one distinguishes several degrees of arson, for example arson committed at night is usually viewe as being more serious than that committed during daytime. Setting fire to one's own property to defraud an insurance company is also a form of arson.

see also: crime, law

• Special Arson Reporting System[?]