Des Plaines Officials Determine May Condominium Fire Was Arson

Des Plaines officials determined on July 23, 2026, that the May 6 fire at a 12-unit condominium building at 1279 Harding Street was deliberately set. The building remains uninhabitable.

The determination followed an investigation by Des Plaines fire and police investigators, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. Officials said investigators confirmed an accelerant through canine detection and laboratory analysis, and that evidence indicated gasoline had been poured through hallways, common areas and stairwells.

The city also reported that there is no ongoing public threat connected to the incident.

Investigators identify person of interest

Officials identified Taner Teymur Bayramli, 36, a resident of the building’s third floor, as the person of interest based on forensic and video evidence. The city said Bayramli’s personal items tested positive for accelerant and that video showed him purchasing a container and filling it with gasoline at a nearby gas station days before the fire.

Investigators believe Bayramli acted alone, according to the city. Officials have not announced a motive.

Bayramli died May 21 from injuries sustained in the fire. Because he died, no arrest was made. The investigative conclusion does not constitute a criminal conviction or judicial finding.

Fire prompted rescues and hospital treatment

The fire began shortly before 1 a.m. on May 6. Before firefighters arrived, stairwells had collapsed, trapping residents inside. Firefighters used ground ladders to rescue residents from balconies while responding to intense fire conditions.

The city said 15 people were evaluated at the scene and seven were transported to area hospitals. The American Red Cross assisted residents displaced by the fire.

Initial coverage reported that the cause remained under investigation. The July 23 announcement changed the official account from an unresolved fire investigation to a finding of arson based on evidence gathered by investigators.

Building remains uninhabitable

All 12 condominium units remain uninhabitable, leaving residents displaced and without a publicly announced date for returning to the property.

Des Plaines officials said additional information, including final investigative reports and any releasable video footage, will be made available after the investigation is complete. The city did not provide a release date.

For residents and neighbors, the immediate public-safety message is that the city reports no ongoing threat. The continuing practical issue is the condition and occupancy status of the Harding Street building.

Sources

• City of Des Plaines arson determination
• Daily Herald report on the arson determination