Aggravated arson is distinguished from simple arson by which factor?

• A. Threat to human life
• B. Arson committed with the intent to steal
• C. Arson causing a vehicle fire only
• D. Occurrence during nighttime

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that aggravated arson adds a risk to human life beyond the act of burning property. Simple arson covers deliberately setting fire to property, but aggravated arson is charged when that act endangers people—such as burning a dwelling or place where people are present, or using means that could put lives at serious risk.

That’s why threatening or actually endangering human life is the defining factor. The other options don’t establish that higher level of risk: intending to steal is about motive and not the degree of the arson offense, arson of a vehicle does not automatically become aggravated unless lives would be endangered, and nighttime occurring is not a universal trigger for aggravation.