What is defined as arson?

Arson is specifically defined as the act of intentionally causing damage to property through fire or explosion. This definition encompasses the requirement of unlawful intention, indicating that the act is not just a result of negligence or an accident, but a deliberate and conscious effort to cause destruction.

In the realm of fire investigations, it's crucial to differentiate arson from other types of damage. For instance, unintentional damage to property would not meet the criteria for arson since it lacks the element of intent. Similarly, damage caused by natural disasters cannot be classified as arson because these events occur without human intervention or intent to cause harm. Finally, while the deliberate destruction of evidence can occur in the context of fire investigations, it is not categorized as arson unless it involves the use of fire or explosion to achieve that end. Thus, the act defined in the question aligns perfectly with the established legal definition of arson, making it the correct choice.