NLT is a great translation; I've been on an NLT kick lately though I bounce back and forth between the HCSB, ESV, NIV, and KJV translations.
If you're used to more traditional Bibles like the NKJV, then the NLT may irritate you slightly at times - like when Elijah's armor bearer becomes Elijah's "personal assistant" but the stated goal behind the NLT is a contemporary translation. It also uses the third person plural form (IE: their) for singular which gives it some of the same issues that some have for the NIV '11 but those seem to get overlooked.
Each unto their own, but since translation is both art and science, I have grown to appreciate the NLT for those moments where it elicits an "Oh!" because the language is much more contemporary and clearer.
That said, another user here mentioned the MEV. I had my hands on a pre-release partial copy of John and was impressed. I am currently reading a book that mostly cites the MEV and I'm find it nice middle ground between the TR/MT camp and then language like the NLT/NIV/HCSB spectrum.
That said, not being a huge fan of the ESV, if you were going to get the Fire Bible, I'd seek out one of the NIV '84 translations, deal with the KJV or wait for that MEV that must be coming out. I also remember the representative I asked about the Fire Bible saying that it was coming to either the NLT or NKJV at some point. I'll have to see if I can dig out that email!