{"id":371735,"date":"2016-10-13T11:54:52","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T16:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-arson-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-27T15:09:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T20:09:24","slug":"california-arson-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-arson-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Arson Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Arson Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

California <\/span>arson laws<\/span> cover the malicious<\/span> and willful burning of any structure, forest land<\/span>, or property. Depending on the intent and resulting harm, a defendant may face felony charges, heavy fines, or life imprisonment under California\u2019s three-strikes laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Thanks to dry conditions, mountainous terrain, and homeowners who demand picturesque views, California is at risk of wildfires year-round. The California penal code<\/span> treats arson as a serious criminal offense. Arson includes not only the intentional burning of a residence, but also reckless burning<\/span> of your own <\/span>personal property<\/span> if it causes harm to others.<\/p>\n

Arsonists<\/span> may face federal charges if the fire burns into the many national parks in and around California\u2019s major cities. Arson can be an\u00a0enhancement<\/span>\u00a0to other charges, like murder or attempted murder, if a\u00a0firefighter<\/span>\u00a0or first responder suffers injuries due to the blaze.<\/p>\n

Both accidental and malicious<\/span> arson<\/span> can result in criminal charges<\/span>. Arson offenders<\/span> may qualify for a life sentence under California\u2019s three-strikes law<\/span>.<\/p>\n

California <\/span>Arson Laws<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Arson<\/a> (California Penal Code<\/span> section 451<\/span>) is the malicious<\/span> and willful burning of any structure, property, or forest land<\/span>. The penal code defines these as<\/a>:<\/p>\n