Before learning about the punishments for the crime of arson, it is important to understand what actions constitute the crime. Arson is the act of deliberately setting a structure on fire, or exploding it, so that any damage such as burning or charring occurs. Specifically, one should know that an arson charge is not dependent upon the extent of the damage; rather, it is an intent-based offense, meaning that the intent to damage the building with a deliberate fire is enough to garner a charge. There are three types of arson: first degree, second degree, and third degree. A person is charged with first degree arson when he or she intentional sets fire to a home, school, church, or other public building. Second degree arson occurs with an intentional fire set to unoccupied residences or aban