Controlling wildfires has been a significant mission for the state and federal governments since the early 1900s. During this time, the agencies responsible for wildland fire management have worked jointly in many ways to minimize losses from fires and to constantly improve firefighting and fire management techniques. In 1967, a new organization was established among the 20 states within the northeastern area of the United States to unite the forest fire control supervisors from each of those states. Since then, the Northeast Forest Fire Supervisors have been charged with the responsibility to stimulate and promote the development and use of specialized forest fire equipment, including better techniques in fire prevention, presuppression, suppression, and improved training and safety methods.