Columbia Reckless burning or exploding ordinance (§ 16-151)
Chapter 16: Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions · Article II. Code of Offenses
In short: Knowingly starting a fire or causing an explosion that recklessly damages or destroys someone else's building or inhabitable structure is the crime of reckless burning or exploding, a class A misdemeanor.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) A person commits the crime of reckless burning or exploding when he knowingly starts a fire or causes an explosion and thereby recklessly damages or destroys a building or an inhabitable structure of another.
(b) Reckless burning or exploding is a class A misdemeanor.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 16-151
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.