Which crime involves maliciously using fire to damage property?

The crime that involves maliciously using fire to damage property is arson. Arson is characterized by the intentional setting of a fire with the aim of causing damage to buildings or other structures, which distinguishes it from the other options listed. This crime not only encompasses the act of causing physical destruction but also poses significant risks to the safety and wellbeing of people, as fires can spread rapidly and uncontrollably.

Burglary relates to illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, typically theft. Theft involves the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Robbery is defined as taking property from a person through force or intimidation. Each of these crimes has its own distinct elements and does not involve the specific act of setting fire to property with malicious intent, which is the hallmark of arson. Thus, arson is the only option that accurately captures the act of using fire in a criminal manner for the purpose of damage.