1952 Haleakala Fire Response
Operations. The only need for active duty operations by Hawaii National Guard units during the year occurred on Maui. Drought conditions in the Kula district on the slopes of Haleakala resulted in a dangerous situation when a forest fire broke out on 28 December. On 29 December the situation was nearly out of hand, and five units of 1st Bn 299th Inf and Heavy Mortar Co were mobilized for fire fighting duty. A total of 518 personnel were involved during the period 29-31 December 1952. The cost of the mobilization, borne out of Military Department appropriations, was 12,452.00.
– 1953 Annual Report pp. 6
During the period 29–31 December 1952, a total of 518 personnel from units of the First Battalion, 299th Infantry, and Heavy Mortar Company were mobilized for firefighting duty. Drought conditions in the Kula district on the slopes of Haleakala had resulted in a dangerous situation when a forest fire broke out on December 28. The situation was nearly out of hand when the Guardsmen were employed for timely assistance.
– 1956 September Hawaii Guardsmen pp. 4
Maui Guardsmen assisted in fighting a forest fire on Haleakala in 1952. All units on Maui were called to active duty to fight the raging fire which burned for many days.
– 1960 October The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 40
Over 500 Maui Guardsmen fought a forest fire on the slopes of Haleakala which threatened the forest reserve and residences in the Upper Kula district. They cut a fire break one-half mile long and ten yards wide and fought many local fires in the area. The Guardsmen were given credit for containing the raging fire working two days and nights.
– 1963 June The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 7