In its symbolic form, fire embodies a paradox: it has the power to annihilate and to catalyze new life. This past summer, the reality of the former was inescapable for many of us. The relentless news of devastating wildfires infiltrated our daily lives — tainting the air we breathe, encroaching on leisurely retreats, and, for some, striking close to home. The ravages of this year's fire season, alongside an array of other unprecedented natural disasters, underscore a stark truth: the repercussions of climate change are not a distant threat but a present and urgent reality. Yet, there remains a palpable disconnect. As the smoky veil of climate denial thickens for some, many with privilege — those who can seek refuge in the aisles of a Home Depot for an air purifier — are only beginning to confront a stark reality: the experiences that have shaken us recently are not new but rather a longstanding norm for marginalized communities. It is within this context that the climate justice movement gains its urgency and purpose.