Firefighting is never about the money, and as I'm sure you're aware it doesn't pay well in most places. But dat schedule tho! Just kidding. I was a medic for 6 years in the Army and when I left Active Duty I spent a few years as a FF in the Southeast US. The pay was garbage, but the job was an amazing adventure. That being said, it was not challenging to my skillset and capabilities and I didn't feel like dealing with GSWs to the head on a monthly basis was my thing. I've always been flying since I was a kid.

If you're considering flying as a career, do more research and make sure your heart is into it... figuratively and literally (make sure you can get a 1st Class FAA Medical). Whatever you do, make sure you're fully aware of the good and bad of the career field. It can be incredibly challenging to make it to a Major and the industry can go to crap overnight with the economy...etc. If there is nothing else you want to do, then do it and do it 100%. Also, I would HIGHLY recommend a degree in a non-aviation field. But, you can work on a degree slowly and over time. Although with most places it's not "required" it can give you an edge. Kinda like it's not "required" to have a new haircut and shine your shoes when you interview, but when you're dealing with people who are evaluating you and rating everything they see and know about you.. it can put you ahead of the other guy.