Arson Determined In Des Plaines Condo Fire That Injured 7

DES PLAINES, IL — A fire and reported explosion that tore through a Des Plaines condominium building in May, injuring seven people and forcing residents from their homes, has been determined to be arson, city officials announced Thursday.

Des Plaines Fire Chief Matt Matzl and Police Chief David Anderson are scheduled to discuss the investigation during an 11 a.m. press conference at the Des Plaines Municipal Complex.

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

Officials said they plan to release information about a person of interest and the victims and answer questions from reporters. No additional details about the person of interest were disclosed before the press conference.

The arson determination follows a two-month investigation by the Des Plaines fire and police departments.

Firefighters Rescued Residents From Balconies

Firefighters were called at approximately 12:56 a.m. May 6, to a reported explosion and fire at the three-story condominium building in the 1200 block of Harding Street.

As Patch previously reported, crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions throughout the building. Des Plaines firefighters and police officers used ground ladders to rescue multiple residents from balconies.

The intensity of the fire initially forced crews into a defensive operation while rescues continued. Firefighters later reentered the building with hand lines and ground ladders to continue battling the blaze.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:30 a.m., more than four hours after crews arrived. The building was deemed uninhabitable, and the American Red Cross assisted displaced residents.

Seven Taken To Hospitals

A total of 15 people were evaluated after the fire, according to information released by the city on the day of the incident.

Seven people were taken to hospitals, including three who were listed in critical condition and four who were stable. Patch initially reported that firefighters and police conducted several balcony rescues as flames spread through the building.

Crews from more than a dozen neighboring fire departments assisted Des Plaines, including Park Ridge, Northbrook, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Rosemont and Chicago.

The original investigation involved the Des Plaines fire and police departments, Cook County emergency management officials, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

At the time, authorities had not identified the cause of the fire or the reported explosion.

Officials now say investigators determined the incident was intentionally set. Further information about how the fire was started, whether anyone has been arrested and the current conditions of the injured residents was expected during Thursday’s announcement.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates following the press conference.