When color-coding fire hydrants, which color would the bonnet be on a hydrant flowing less than 500 gpm?

The color coding of fire hydrants is an important system for firefighters as it indicates the flow rate of the hydrant in gallons per minute (gpm). A hydrant that flows less than 500 gpm is designated with a red bonnet. This color signifies that the hydrant provides a low flow rate, which can be critical information for firefighters responding to an emergency. Knowing that a certain hydrant has a lower capacity can influence their tactics and strategy when it comes to fighting a fire.

In contrast, other colors indicate higher flow rates. For instance, orange typically represents hydrants flowing between 500 and 999 gpm, green indicates flows of 1,000 to 1,499 gpm, and light blue denotes hydrants that flow 1,500 gpm or more. This system allows for quick visual assessments, enabling firefighters to make informed decisions based on the available water supply.