(a) A person commits the crime of arson in the first degree when he knowingly damages a building or inhabitable structure, and when any person is then present or in near proximity to it, by starting a fire or causing an explosion and thereby recklessly places the person in danger of death or serious physical injury.
(b) Arson in the first degree is a class B felony.
History: 1979, PL 16-43 § 2.