Despite making the police report a couple of weeks back, the painting of the crowns of fire hydrants throughout town isn’t vandalism — it’s policy.

Members of the Bristol Fire Department have been out and about painting the crowns of hydrants one of four different colors as indicated by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. This simple color code provides a visual indication and range of how many gallons per minute should be available from each hydrant. It enables first responders to immediately identify whether additional fire apparatus or pumping operations may be required during a fire.

If you see a blue crown, it indicates 1,500+ gallons per minute (gpm); green is 1,000-1,499 gpm; orange is 500-999 gpm; and red indicates below 500 gpm.

The NFPA has also designated t

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