O.O that's new to me
I usually pick the fire starter too, Typhlosion, Charizard and Blaziken make an awesome part of your party.
It's good they tought Charmander how to learn Metal claw, it makes the battle to Brock a lot easier. Blaziken with his Blaze Kick or Sky uppercut is quite good.
I never catch fighting pokemon (don't like them), but now you have fire-fighting one. that's good.
Typhlosion has an awesome Fire attack ability. (and he's so cute ^^)
It's a shame fire Pokemon are so rare. I hope they put more fire pokemon in D/P to make up for the fire monkey.