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The color orange is used to indicate a fire hydrant with a flow rate of 500-599 gallons per minute. This color coding system is standardized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and helps firefighters quickly assess the water supply available from hydrants during emergencies.
When firefighters arrive at an incident, they rely on this color-coding to determine which hydrants can effectively support their firefighting efforts based on the anticipated water needs. The orange color signifies adequate flow for residential and light commercial firefighting, making it a crucial reference point in fire response situations.
In contrast, other colors have defined meanings as well: red typically indicates a lower flow rate, green represents a higher capacity, and light blue indicates the highest flow rates. Understanding this color code is vital for rapid decision-making in the field, ensuring that firefighters can efficiently allocate resources where they are needed most.