Commercial occupancies typically require how many gallons per minute (gpm) for effective fire control?

Commercial occupancies often involve larger spaces and higher fire loads compared to residential structures, necessitating a greater volume of water for effective fire control. The range of 20-30 gallons per minute is established as a standard because it provides adequate cooling and extinguishing capabilities to combat the potential intensity and spread of fires in these environments. This flow rate helps ensure that the firefighters can adequately control and suppress the fire, preventing it from escalating and leading to further damage or risk to life and property.

In contrast, lower flow rates, like those found in the other choices, may not be sufficient to manage the complexities presented in commercial settings, including larger areas and potentially more significant fire hazards like flammable materials or hazardous substances commonly found in such occupancies. Therefore, the 20-30 gpm range is emphasized as optimal for these scenarios, enabling effective fire suppression tactics.