What is the purpose of a pilot gauge in firefighting?

The purpose of a pilot gauge in firefighting is to determine the flow of water from a hydrant. This is crucial because understanding the water flow helps firefighters assess whether they have enough supply to effectively combat a fire. By measuring flow rates, they can make informed decisions on how to deploy resources and where to focus their efforts during an emergency. Accurately gauging the flow from a hydrant ensures that they can effectively manage fire suppression efforts and anticipate the availability of water as they fight the fire.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a pilot gauge. Measuring the temperature of water, assessing the pressure of fire hoses, and indicating the type of hydrant are important aspects of firefighting equipment and operations, but they serve different purposes than that of a pilot gauge.