569.040. Arson in the first degree — penalty.
Starting a fire that puts people at risk
If someone sets fire to a building while people are nearby or tries to make meth and causes a fire, it’s first-degree arson.
1. A person commits first-degree arson if they knowingly damage a building or place where people live or stay, by starting a fire or explosion, and recklessly put someone nearby in danger of death or serious injury.
2. It’s also first-degree arson if someone damages a building or living space by setting a fire or explosion while trying to make methamphetamine.
Penalty: This crime is a class B felony. If someone gets seriously hurt or dies because of the fire or explosion, it becomes a class A felony.
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