The Office of the State Fire Marshal has charged a 66-year-old Salisbury man with multiple offenses after investigators determined he intentionally set fire to his home in Wicomico County on Saturday, October 24.
Firefighters responded around 5:35 p.m. to the 6000 block of Hunters Mill Drive in Salisbury, where approximately 40 firefighters battled a one-alarm house fire. The blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes, but caused an estimated $175,000 in damages.
According to investigators, the fire originated in the attached garage of the single-family home and was intentionally set. The homeowner, identified as Michael Satterfield, was subsequently charged following an investigation by Deputy State Fire Marshals.
Satterfield faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree arson, malicious burning, threat of arson, reckless endangerment, and five counts of animal cruelty. Investigators said the animal cruelty charges stem from Satterfield leaving five cats inside the residence after allegedly starting the fire. All five cats were rescued unharmed by firefighters.
Satterfield was served with an arrest warrant while being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center on unrelated traffic charges. He is currently being held without bond.
If convicted on all charges, Satterfield faces a maximum of more than 72 years in prison and over $105,000 in fines.
