Final answer:
Arson is defined not by the extent of burning but by the intentional act of setting a fire to property, whether large or small, to cause damage or harm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of burning that must occur to constitute arson is not strictly defined by the volume of the fire or the extensive property of heat production, but rather by the intent behind the burning and the resulting damage. Arson is a criminal act that involves the intentional burning of property, buildings, or land. It's not merely the size of the fire, as both a small match and a large bonfire produce the same temperature in terms of the intensive property of the material (wood) burning, but it's the malicious intent and consequences that classify an incident as arson.
For instance, a small fire that is intentionally set to damage someone's property can qualify as arson, even if the fire doesn't spread widely. In contrast, a large forest fire caused by negligence may not be labeled as arson if there was no intent to cause harm. The legal definition of arson typically requires proof of intent to destroy or damage the property and the fact that the fire was not accidental.
Moreover, according to basic statistical techniques such as those employed in the analysis of crimes, the determination of arson can also be influenced by patterns of behavior, as evidenced by cases like the Hollywood, CA serial arsonist.