NFPA recommends that fire hydrants flowing 1,500 gpm or greater be color coded

• A. Red
• B. Light blue
• C. Green
• D. Yellow

Answer: (B)

Hydrant color coding helps firefighters quickly identify water supply capability. A hydrant colored light blue signals it can deliver 1,500 gallons per minute or more, marking it as a high-flow source. This rapid cue is crucial during a fire incident because it guides attack planning—where to place lines, how many hydrants to use, and whether to rely on a single high-capacity source or seek additional supplies. The idea is to minimize guesswork under pressure by using a standardized color so responders from different teams can interpret the hydrant’s capacity at a glance. While the high-flow designation is shown by light blue, remember that local departments may vary in exact color schemes, so check the jurisdiction’s standards.