If a train finds a fusee burning red near its track in multiple track territory, what should it do?

When a train encounters a fusee burning red in multiple track territory, the appropriate response is to stop and then proceed at restricted speed. The red fusee indicates a warning or danger which signifies that there may be an obstruction, a need for caution, or an abnormal condition on or near the track.

By stopping, the crew allows for a thorough assessment of the situation to ensure safety. Proceeding at restricted speed after stopping is critical as it allows the train to move cautiously while being prepared to stop within half the range of vision. This is particularly important in multiple track territory where other trains may be operating on adjacent tracks. The restricted speed protocol is designed to minimize risk and ensure that the train can safely respond to any unforeseen circumstances, effectively preventing accidents or collisions.

In this context, simply proceeding with caution or maintaining normal speed could lead to unsafe situations, as they do not allow for the necessary precautionary measures to be taken in the presence of a reported warning sign. Searching for a signalman, while potentially helpful in some cases, does not provide immediate action in response to the immediate hazard indicated by the red fusee. Thus, the safest and most compliant response is to stop and then proceed at restricted speed.