What's next for Colombia's largest fire hydrant?

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – The Busted Plug sculpture, one of the city's most famous landmarks, still hasn't been moved. The 40-foot metal fire hydrant was created by well-known Columbia artist Blue Sky but was dismantled with little indication of where it would next be installed.

In February of last year, the city of Columbia contracted a construction company called McClam & Associates to remove the sculpture from Taylor Street and keep it until the city decided what to do with it.

“We're not getting paid to leave it on our property, we're just allowing the city to leave it here until they move it.” I wasn’t told where they would put it, but I was told they would move it,” said Rusty McClam, president of the company.

WIS News 10 spoke with the community to find out what people thought of the sculpture and if they thought it should return to Columbia.

Dickson Brothers owner Oakley Dickson said he would drive by and see him frequently.

“That fire hydrant was kind of like the people who loved it, it was interesting, kind of a work of art for our town,” Dickson said. “Everyone remembers it and so everyone asks: where did the fire hydrant go?”

“It should be rebuilt, it's a pretty big statue, but I think it needs to be put in a better place,” said Columbia resident Rhonda Cortes.

Many people told WIS News 10 that the location of the sculpture just wasn't right.

“It would be really cool to see it installed in one of our city parks, I don't know where, but I think kids will love it, people love taking pictures with it, it would be like an attraction tourist,” Dickson said.

Oakley isn't alone in saying that in recent years, the city has debated several different locations for the sculpture.

A city spokesperson told me there have been no updates regarding the fire hydrant relocation.

She said even though the status hasn't officially changed, they are still exploring various options before deciding what to do.

Some told WIS it was important to have these public art displays in the city.

WIS news 10 spoke with a director of the Center for Architecture, or AIA, who said he supports any public exhibition of art throughout the city, adding that it creates a more welcoming environment for tourists and locals. residents here in the city.

“Columbia has a lot of really cool artists and art shows, a lot of different places where people are displaying their work,” said Columbia resident Hannah Semsker. “Public facilities like this are important.”

According to the city, where the sculpture will be moved has not been determined, but it will be moved. WIS News 10 reached out to Blue Sky for comment and did not receive a response.

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