 and that partnerships like this could help build a workforce more focused on mitigation. Jeremy Bailey, TNC's North America Prescribed Fire Training Director, says forests and grasslands' need for fire is insatiable. And so is the need for a workforce that can do that work. Back of the envelope, I estimate we need 10,000 employees nationwide. Last year, his organization received $45 million over five years from the Forest Service. They hired some 50 people on top of existing fire staff and have 20%.