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What is arson?

Arson is the wilful act of setting something on fire, usually a home or another type of structure. It is a serious crime and is severely punished all over the world because arson puts lives and property at risk. In some parts of the world, if someone dies in an arson fire, it is considered to be murder, rather than manslaughter or negligent homicide, because arson is deemed to be such a reprehensible act. In all instances, an arson conviction carries a prison term.