What does a red fire hydrant indicate about its flow rate?

A red fire hydrant indicates that its flow rate is less than 500 gallons per minute (gpm). This color coding system is part of the national standard in fire safety that helps firefighters quickly assess water supply availability during an emergency. The color red is associated with hydrants that provide a lower flow rate, which can affect firefighting operations, as a lower water supply may not be adequate for certain types of fires or for supplying multiple hoses simultaneously. Firefighters rely on this color coding to make informed decisions on how to approach a fire scene, especially when it comes to water supply management. Hydrants with higher flow rates are designated with different colors, allowing for a clear and immediate understanding of water availability in the area.