According to NFPA 291, fire hydrants capable of flowing 1000 to 1499 gallons per minute at 20 psi should have their bonnets painted:

The correct answer is that fire hydrants capable of flowing 1000 to 1499 gallons per minute at 20 psi should have their bonnets painted green. This color coding provides a visual indication of the hydrant's flow capabilities, which is critical for firefighters during emergency situations.

By standardizing the colors of hydrant bonnets, firefighters can quickly assess the available water supply without having to check flow rates individually. The green color specifically signifies a flow rate of this range, allowing for efficient and informed decision-making when responding to fires. This practice enhances safety and efficiency in firefighting operations, by ensuring that personnel can easily identify hydrants with adequate flow rates when needed most.

Understanding these color codes is important for all fire service personnel, as it enables them to operate more effectively in high-pressure situations, where every second counts.