What’s in a Name? About Fire Season
Founded in 2023, Fire Season is a name that holds layers of personal and symbolic meaning for us. On the surface, it speaks directly to what we make: spicy and sweet pepper relishes that bring heat, brightness, and bold flavor to food. It is, quite literally, a “fire” seasoning, something that transforms a meal with intensity and character. But our name reaches much deeper than taste.
Born and raised in California, we recognize fire season is a period of uncertainty, danger, and loss. Fire season is also a period of renewal. Fire clears what can no longer grow, makes space for what comes next, and returns regenerative nutrients to the soil.
That symbolism felt especially meaningful to us as founders starting something entirely new after spending over twenty years in the same careers. Building this company meant stepping into the unknown and trusting that change could be expansive rather than catastrophic.
Fire Season became a way of naming that moment: a season of risk, transformation, and the possibility of new creative life.
Spending time in nature has always been a treasured part of our lives, we’re avid hikers, and we’ve been drawn in big moments to names that reflect the cycles of the natural world: endings that become beginnings, opening the way to something unexpected and alive.
Finally, our company was founded with a recipe inspired by our aunt, Cary, who passed away in 2015. Her influence remains part of everything we make.
In that way, Fire Season is not only about reinvention but also about inheritance: how love, memory, and tradition can survive loss and become the spark for something new.
We’re thrilled to share our work and our dreams with you. Thanks for inviting us into your kitchens!
Our Story
Fire Season Goods was created by Michelle and Kyle Franke in 2024. Michelle and Kyle have spent their careers as executives dedicated to storytelling, and their life in food is an extension of that.
Fire Season Relishes are inspired by one of our aunt Cary’s most beloved recipes. She passed away in 2015 and we still cook her food to connect to her memory.
Here’s what we know it’s good on: hot dogs, burgers, pizza, wings, eggs, tacos, tuna sandos, salmon, ribs, cornbread, creamy cheese, deviled eggs, grilled shrimp, meatballs, adorable little toasts, nachos, bagels, dumplings, pork sandos, quesadillas, ice cream.
Anything else, as Cary might say, is up to you darlin’!
Product photos by Danielle G. Adams
Product Branding by Rise Wise
Website by The Next Impossible Collective