2 boys get probation for fire that destroyed mill building

SANFORD, Maine – Two of three boys charged with setting a fire that destroyed an abandoned mill in Maine have pleaded guilty to reduced charges.

The two pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanour criminal mischief and were sentenced to a year of probation. The Journal Tribune reports if the boys stay out of trouble then a felony arson charge will be dismissed in the new year.

It took more than 100 firefighters from Maine and New Hampshire to contain the blaze at the 300,000-square-foot (28,000-square-meter) Stenton Trust Mill building in Sanford in June.

Defence lawyers say the boys are remorseful and never meant for a fire they started to get out of control and destroy the building. The third boy is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 26.