ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

In Second Degree Arson, what conditions are specified for the act?

1. Fire or explosion occurs with people present

2. Fire or explosion occurs with no one present

3. Any damage to property

4. Using kerosene as an accelerant

The correct answer is: Fire or explosion occurs with no one present

In the context of Second Degree Arson, the correct understanding revolves around the absence of people in proximity to the fire or explosion during the act. This distinction is important because Second Degree Arson typically involves setting fire to property without the intent to harm individuals. The focus is on the property and the unlawful act of burning it, rather than on placing individuals at risk. When analyzing the conditions specified for Second Degree Arson, the phrasing emphasizes that the act can be committed when no one is present, which mitigates the charge to that of Second Degree Arson as opposed to First Degree Arson, where endangerment to life is a critical factor. In contrast, the other provided options involve scenarios that either imply the presence of people, which elevates the severity of the crime, or reference the use of specific materials, which does not inherently define the classification of the arson charge. Thus, the stipulation regarding the absence of individuals effectively delineates Second Degree Arson from more severe charges, aligning it with the correct answer.