The lack of success of the perpetrator of an arson does not matter. The State only needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant purposely started a fire or caused an explosion. It is not necessary that any significant damage result from the fire or explosion. It is only necessary that a fire started or an explosion caused one or more of the purposes or circumstances required by the law. However, the act of lighting a match, by itself, is insufficient evidence to prove that a defendant purposely started a fire and is therefore guilty of arson.
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