Kankakee Woman Arrested for Alleged Arson Attack

Nazhai S. Hill faces multiple charges after fire damages home, garage, and vehicles

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:20pm

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Kankakee police have arrested 24-year-old Nazhai S. Hill for allegedly setting a fire that caused significant damage to a residence, detached garage, and three vehicles in the city's North Greenwood Avenue neighborhood. The Kankakee Fire Department responded to the blaze around 11 a.m. on Tuesday and were able to quickly extinguish the flames, but not before the fire caused an estimated $70,000 in total property losses.

Why it matters

Arson is a serious crime that can endanger lives and cause extensive property damage. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and the need for robust investigations to hold perpetrators accountable, especially in cases where there may be an underlying motive or history of violence.

The details

According to authorities, the fire started in a 2 1/2-car detached garage and quickly spread, damaging a nearby home and three vehicles parked inside the garage. Residents on the scene reported that the fire appeared to be the result of arson. An arson investigator was able to locate and question Nazhai S. Hill, ultimately leading to her arrest on charges of attempted murder, residential arson, home invasion, and aggravated domestic battery.

  • The Kankakee Fire Department responded to the fire around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Nazhai S. Hill was arrested following the fire incident.

The players

Nazhai S. Hill

A 24-year-old Kankakee resident who was arrested and charged with attempted murder, residential arson, home invasion, and aggravated domestic battery in connection with the fire.

Kankakee Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the structure fire and was able to quickly extinguish the flames, but not before significant damage was caused to the property.

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What’s next

Hill is currently being held in custody, and the investigation into the fire and her alleged crimes is ongoing. A judge will determine whether to grant her bail at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of arson and the need for vigilance in fire safety, as well as the importance of the criminal justice system holding perpetrators of such crimes accountable for their actions.