However, on September 3, 2002, the three-story factory and a one-story warehouse were destroyed in a massive fire. Though the factory had a brick veneer, both buildings had internal wood frames. Fire departments from nearly a dozen cities responded, but flames were shooting over into the air and suppression efforts shifted to protecting nearby buildings such as the Warden's House. A few days later two men in their early 20s from Saint Paul came forward to say they and a friend had entered the vacant complex on the 3rd to explore and look for evidence of haunting. The friend, 18-year-old Peter Weyandt, wandered off by himself and then insisted they leave in a hurry. Weyandt reportedly claimed on the ride back that he'd started a fire, but his friends assumed he was joking until they got home and saw the news on TV. Weyandt was arrested and charged with second-degree arson. He stated that he'd set a piece of cardboard on fire out of boredom. Weyandt pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. No charges were filed against his companions.