The Surprising Reason Some Idaho Fire Hydrants Have Yellow Tops

According to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, fire hydrant color coding can vary greatly among towns, cities, and even states. The National Fire Sprinkler Association, however, has developed a classification system and rated flow guide many jurisdictions choose to follow for the use of light blue, green, orange, and red fire hydrants. The American Water Works Association (AWWA), Occupation Safety, Health Administration (OSHA), and the International Council (ICC) provide guidance on color selection, too, but again, fire hydrant color schemes falls under jurisdictional preference.

If that sounds confusing, it's because it is. As we made our way through dozens of websites to find the meaning behind various fire hydrant colors, it was a virtual free-for-all.

You know how Idaho is a School of Choice State? When it comes to codifying fire hydrant color schemes, America is something like a Fire Hydrant Color of Choice nation!

Some jurisdictions do their own thing entirely when selecting colors, and even allow citizens to paint and decorate fire hydrants; an act that would get citizens arrested in Georgia. But the Chicago Department follows the NFSA guidelines practically to a T with a few minor adaptions to accommodate the city's layout and size.

As it turns out, black, silver, and purple fire hydrants aren't codified by NFSA, but after some digging around, we found the meaning behind the unique colors. We also called the Boise Fire Department and the Chicago Fire Department and linked to as many sources as possible for clarification!

After you get through the fire hydrant gallery, keep scrolling to reward yourself with a look at the gorgeous men and women in the Boise Fire Department calendar!