Arson

Why Arson?

• It is a crime which leaves behind very little or no evidence.
• Easy to execute, does not really cost much to create a fire.
• Fire fighters sometimes even start a fire. So as to allow themselves to put it out and gain a ‘hero’ title. Uncanny as it may seem, but it actually is not very uncommon.
• A property owner commits arson in an attempt to fire insurance money.
• Some individuals perform arson for entertainment or thrills.
• Some vandals also set property on fire, sometimes not totally caused by wanting to burn a building down, but for the act of vandalism in mind.

When is a crime considered as arson

• Anyone who deliberately starts a fire.
• In some areas, a fire that is caused by extreme negligence or disregard will also be classified as arson, and therefore is a crime, regardless whether it was intentional or accidental.

Punishment for committing arson

• The penalty for committing arson depends on the degree of the crime: how much property was damaged or lost, the total value of the damaged or lost property, and if anyone was trapped in the fire. The intent of committing the crime also counts: whether the fire was set so as to receive fire insurance money, cover up a crime, was part of a revenge crime, or to entertain or amuse the arsonist.
• In some parts of the world, if a life is lost in an arson fire, it is considered to be murder, rather than manslaughter or negligent homicide.
• In all instances, an arson conviction carries a prison term.