The Fire Theft was formed in 2001 in Seattle, Washington, by vocalist and guitarist Jeremy Enigk, bassist Nate Mendel, and drummer William Goldsmith, all former members of Sunny Day Real Estate. The trio released their self‑titled debut The Fire Theft in 2003 through Rykodisc, with the single “Chain” promoting the album. The band toured to support the release before entering a hiatus in 2004. Despite intermittent discussions of regrouping, no further studio recordings or tours materialized, and the group remained inactive. The Fire Theft’s sole album remains a notable entry in early‑2000s American alternative rock, reflecting the members’ continued influence in the Seattle music scene.