Law Work Assignments

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John owns a home that he decides is no longer of any use. He sets up an elaborate electrical system hooked to an alarm clock. When the alarm clock rings, the electrical current sets off a spark that ignites a five-gallon can of gasoline. He sets the alarm and leaves the house. A severe electrical storm moves across the city. Lightning hits the house and ignites the gasoline, and the house burns down.  Under the common law, could John be charged with arson? Under modern law, can he be charged with arson?