Tracy Riddle
FIP 152-01FW
M3 Writing Assignment

Arson is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. This could be a malicious act or an act to collect insurance. In North Carolina, there are two degrees of arson. Per G.S. 14-58 under Article 15, If someone burns a dwelling and it was occupied at the time, then it is arson in the first degree which is a Class D felony. If the dwelling was burned and it was unoccupied then it is arson in the second degree and a Class G felony. Arson is one of the hardest crimes to get a conviction on. With that being said, it is very important for firefighters to understand the basics of arson investigation and understand the statues for arson. Since firefighters are the first on the scene of fire incidents they are the first …show more content…
Having knowledge of the arson statues makes you aware that a crime has occurred where you can start the proper steps on your end as a firefighter for an investigation. If you are not aware you may overlook or dismiss a criminal act that occurred. It is also important for firefighters to educate the public on the consequences of starting fires and when it becomes an illegal act. The firefighter may also have to testify in court on what occurred or what they saw. I found an interesting case with unusual circumstances where a subject was charged with first degree arson. In the case State of North Carolina V. Danny L. Bryant (2007), Mr. Bryant was found guilty of first degree arson even though the victim was outside the residence at the time of the fire. The incident occurred in Caldwell County at the apartments on Throneburg Ave. The defendant (Bryant) was visiting a friend, Mr. James Johnson (victim) when his cigarette burned the victim’s tablecloth. The Victim Communicated he was upset. The defendant in return told the victim he would shoe him “ what smoke was or smoking was.” Later the victim fell asleep and was awakened when he heard a thump. He