Drunk Arsonist Charged In Hiram Fire, 3 Pets Killed: Police

HIRAM, GA — A woman has been arrested, authorities say, for getting drunk and setting fire to her home which quickly spread to neighboring Hiram homes, ultimately destroying four and damaging 15 others. No one was injured but two dogs and one cat were killed in the blaze. At least three families are displaced.

Adrienne Satterly, 41, of 67 Rosemount Court, Hiram, has been charged with 14 counts of first-degree arson and three counts of aggravated animal cruelty. An investigation by state arson investigators and the Hiram Police Department alleges that Satterly started a fire inside her home on Feb. 18, which ultimately spread to nineteen separate residences in the Greystone Subdivision. The blaze destroyed four homes, two sustained significant damage and 14 other homes suffered varying degrees of heat and smoke damage.

"This suspect committed a heinous act that threatened the lives of her neighbors and our first responders," said Deputy Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Jay Florence. "I commend the efforts of the fire investigators and detectives who worked on this case."

Florence said it was a windy Sunday, which contributed to how quickly the blaze spread. Damages are estimated at more than $1 million.

Florence told Patch that the motive for the fire is still under investigation but that Satterly recently lost the home in a divorce settlement and would have been moving out soon. He said she stacked several mattresses in the middle in the kitchen floor and set them on fire. She then went to a store across the street and called 911. Florence said when investigators arrived police charged Satterly with public drunkenness.

The fire was reported at 3:25 a.m.

The warrants were executed overnight by the Hiram Police Department. Satterly is currently being held in the Paulding County Jail without bond.

First-degree arson is a felony with a penalty of one to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.

Florence said a consumer service team was onsite Monday to help those affected by the fire with their insurance claims and other matters. Those who need further assistance can call 1-800-656-2298.

Photo courtesy Paulding County Sheriff's Office

Video courtesy Paulding County Fire Department