MD Man Facing Multiple Charges After Setting House Fire With Cats Inside

Investigators said a total of five cats were in the home when the fire was set inside the Salisbury home.

By Gaby Arancibia, Patch Staff

Oct 26, 2026 11:33 AM EDT

Investigators said the cause of a weekend fire in Salisbury was arson and that five cats were inside the home when it was set. (Courtesy Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal)

SALISBURY, MD — A man is facing multiple arson and animal cruelty charges after officials said he intentionally set his Salisbury home on fire.

The man was identified as Michael Satterfield, who had already been detained at the Wicomico County Detention Center on traffic-related offenses, according to WGMD.

A release issued by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal states the fire occurred Saturday shortly after 5:30 p.m. on the 6000 block of Hunters Mill Drive.

Officials said the fire was set inside the one-story home's attached garage, adding that the blaze was discovered and reported by family.

"Five cats were in the home at the time of the fire and were safely located alive after the fire had been extinguished," reads a release by the fire marshal.

Court records show Satterfield is facing the following charges:

First- and second-degree arson
First- and second-degree malicious burning
Threat of arson
Five counts of animal cruelty
Intoxicated endangerment
Reckless endangerment

Damage is estimated at $175,000, of which $25,000 accounts for contents.

It took about 30 minutes for a total of 40 firefighters with the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department to bring the blaze under control, according to the fire marshal.

Satterfield, who remains held without bond, is scheduled for a bail hearing Monday. He is expected to appear in court for a preliminary court hearing on Nov. 19.