What determines arson in the 5th degree?

Arson in the 5th degree specifically pertains to causing damage to real or personal property of value through the use of fire or explosives. This definition is crucial because it underlines the legal principle that not all acts involving fire or explosives constitute arson; rather, the focus is on the resulting damage to property, regardless of the form of property involved.

In this context, the classification of arson in the 5th degree is concerned with the financial impact and the intent behind using fire as a destructive force. The legal framework emphasizes the value criterion, which sets the threshold for the offense.

While using fire or explosives on inhabited properties and setting fire to a person's belongings without permission might also be criminal acts, they are defined under different degrees of arson or related offenses that consider factors such as intent, occupancy, and potential threat to life. Thus, while these actions may contribute to a broader understanding of fire-related crimes, they do not classify as 5th-degree arson, which centers solely on the damage done to property.