A Giant Hydrant in Beaumont

By Linda Tancs

For centuries, Dalmatians have been the unofficial mascot for firefighters in the United States. Due to their expertise as carriage dogs, they were reliable accompaniments to fire carriages of the 1700s, clearing the way for the horses. Their vital role in firefighting is commemorated with a Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant that stands 24 feet tall next to the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont. The structure was donated to the city in 1999 by The Walt Disney Company to celebrate the re-release of the animated movie “101 Dalmatians.” It weighs a whopping 4,500 pounds and it works, capable of spewing 1,500 gallons of water per minute.