In order to prove arson, which of the following must be established?

To establish arson, it is essential to demonstrate an incendiary cause, motive, and intent. This means that the fire must have been started intentionally (incendiary cause), there should be some underlying reason or motive for the act (motive), and it must be shown that the person had the intent to set the fire (intent). These three elements work together to legally establish arson.

Proving that a fire was caused intentionally distinguishes arson from other types of fire incidents, such as accidental fires or those caused by natural events. The inclusion of motive indicates that the individual had a reason to start the fire, whether it be for financial gain, revenge, or another purpose. Intent differentiates between negligence and willful action; understanding the person's mindset at the time of the act is crucial for arson charges.

The other options do not encapsulate the legal requirements to prove arson effectively. For example, unintentional cause implies a lack of intent, which would not satisfy the standard for arson. Similarly, indifference to risk can hint at negligence but does not inherently demonstrate the intentional act required for arson. Lastly, an accidental ignition source would indicate that the fire was not deliberately set, which negates the arson