Which act is not characterized as a form of arson under Michigan law?

Under Michigan law, arson involves the intentional act of setting fire to or exploding a building or other property. Each of the options presented represents actions that can be related to arson; however, the act of breaking into a property to steal, while related to criminal behavior, does not involve the element of fire or explosion necessary to classify it as arson.

The other options fall squarely within the scope of arson. Burning personal property worth over $20,000 directly involves the act of igniting a fire, setting it as a significant offense. Setting fire to insured buildings also fits within arson laws, particularly concerning the motivation of financial gain from insurance fraud. Preparing to burn property, even without justification, signals intent to commit an act of arson.

Thus, breaking into a property to steal lacks the fire-related component required by the legal definition of arson, making it the correct answer as it does not fit the characterization of arson under Michigan law.