With the onset of winter Burnham ordered all hydrants packed in horse manure to prevent freezing. On the coldest days the manure steamed, as if the hydrants themselves were on fire.
As winter arrived, Burnham took proactive measures to protect the hydrants from freezing temperatures by packing them with horse manure. This unusual tactic was a practical solution to ensure that the water supply remained functional during the harsh winter months.
Interestingly, on particularly frigid days, the manure would emit steam, creating an illusion that the hydrants were ablaze. This visual effect added a unique and somewhat ironic element to the scene, contrasting the severe cold with the warmth of steaming manure around the hydrants.
