Gasoline Poured Through Des Plaines Condo Before Deadly Arson Fire: Officials

DES PLAINES, IL — Gasoline was poured through the hallways, common areas and stairwells of a Des Plaines condominium building before a May fire trapped residents and injured seven people, investigators announced Thursday.

Des Plaines police and fire officials identified Taner Teymur Bayramli, 36, a third-floor resident of the building, as the person believed responsible for setting the fire at 1279 Harding Street.

RELATED: 7 Injured In Condo Fire, Explosion — Des Plaines FD

Bayramli died May 21 from injuries suffered in the blaze. Based on forensic evidence, surveillance video and other findings, investigators believe he acted alone, city officials said.

Had Bayramli survived, authorities would have referred the case to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges.

Gasoline Found Throughout Building

The fire was reported at approximately 12:56 a.m. May 6 at the three-story condominium building.

Arson investigators confirmed the presence of an accelerant through a detection dog and subsequent laboratory testing. Evidence showed gasoline had been poured throughout hallways, common areas and stairwells, according to the city.

Investigators determined the fire originated on the third floor. How the gasoline was ignited remains under investigation.

The building's stairwells collapsed before firefighters arrived, trapping residents inside. Crews encountered intense fire conditions and used ground ladders to rescue people from balconies.

As Patch previously reported, firefighters initially shifted to a defensive operation because of the severity of the fire before later reentering the building to continue suppression efforts. The blaze was brought under control at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Video, Forensic Evidence Pointed To Resident

Investigators identified Bayramli as a person of interest based on forensic evidence and surveillance footage.

His personal belongings tested positive for the presence of an accelerant, officials said.

Video also reportedly showed Bayramli purchasing a container and filling it with gasoline at a nearby gas station several days before the fire.

Police executing a search warrant later determined Bayramli had moved personal belongings and keepsakes — including his passports — from his condominium into his vehicle before the blaze.

Authorities did not disclose a possible motive.

Seven Hospitalized

A total of 15 people were evaluated at the scene, and seven were taken to area hospitals.

Three patients were initially admitted to intensive care, including Bayramli. Officials said no children suffered serious injuries.

The building remains uninhabitable, and the American Red Cross assisted residents displaced by the fire.

Patch previously reported that firefighters and police officers carried out multiple balcony rescues as flames spread through the building. More than a dozen neighboring fire departments helped Des Plaines crews battle the blaze.

No Gas Leak Or Code Violation Blamed

Investigators said Nicor Gas and the condominium’s management were not responsible for the fire.

No natural-gas odor had been reported to the city before the incident, and officials found no building-code violations that contributed to the blaze.

Authorities said there is no continuing threat to the public.

The investigation was conducted by the Des Plaines Fire Department and Police Department with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Final investigative reports and any footage eligible for public release will be made available once the investigation is complete, officials said.