Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 160, § 238: Extinguishing fire

Section 238. Sectionmen or other employees of a railroad corporation receiving notice of the existence and location of a fire burning on land adjacent to the tracks shall forthwith proceed to the fire and shall use all reasonable efforts to extinguish it; provided, that they are not at the time employed in labors immediately necessary to the safety of tracks or to the safety and convenience of passengers and the public.