Due to the fact that Arson has the potential to cause significant large scale damage to both property and people (including loss of life it is seen as a serious criminal offence. Arson is a crime in which a person intentionally or recklessly sets and thereby puts people or property at risk.
There must be either intent or a reckless act to be found guilty of Arson. Examples of intent include setting fire to your own property for fraudulent reasons or setting a property alight to cause fear or terror. Recklessness happens when a person acts without regard for consequences, throwing a lit cigarette in a dry field for example.
