Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever wilfully and to set fire to, or to burn, or aids, counsels or assists in such an attempt to set fire to or burn, any of the buildings, structures or property mentioned in the foregoing sections, or whoever commits any act preliminary thereto or in furtherance thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years, or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than two and one half years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
The placing or distributing of any flammable, explosive or combustible material or substance or any device in or against any building, structure or property mentioned in the foregoing sections in an arrangement or preparation with intent eventually to wilfully and set fire to or burn such building, structure or property, or to procure the setting fire to or burning of the same shall, for the purposes of this section, constitute an attempt to burn such building, structure or property.
Simplified explanation
Wilfully and maliciously attempting to burn any building, structure or property covered by the preceding arson sections, helping in the attempt, or doing any preliminary act, is punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.