Salisbury man arrested for setting fire to his own home, with five cats trapped inside

SALISBURY, Md. – A Salisbury man has been arrested after authorities say he intentionally set fire to his own home while five cats were trapped inside.

Fire marshals have charged 66-year-old Michael Satterfield with first and second degree arson, first and second degree malicious burning, threat of arson, intoxicated danger, reckless endangerment, and five counts of animal cruelty. He is being held without bond.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5:35 p.m., crews with the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department and other local companies responded to the 6000 block of Hunters Mill Drive in Salisbury after family members reported a fire coming from the attached garage. A total of 40 firefighters responded to the scene and battled the blaze for half an hour before extinguishing it.

Image Courtesy of Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

The total damage to the house and its contents is estimated to be valued at $175,000. The five cats that were trapped inside were found unharmed by firefighters after the fire was extinguished.

Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene and determined the fire had been intentionally and maliciously set, identifying the homeowner, Satterfield, as the suspect. A Deputy State Fire Marshal served Satterfield early Sunday morning while he was being detained at the Wicomico County Detention Center on related traffic charges by the Maryland State Police. 

If found guilty of all charges, Satterfield faces a maximum penalty of over 72 years of imprisonment and/or over $105,000 in fines.