A dad managed to put out a fire on the worlds longest pleasure pier by dropping to his knees and weeing on it.
Salesman Thomas Watson, 22, has been hailed for his actions after he prevented a fire breaking out on Southend Pier, Essex.
Authorities have even offered the dad a free trip back to the pier – but only provided that he keeps his trousers firmly secured.
Thomas had taken a trip to the pier with his partner Saeefa Chowdhury, 26, and their 15-month-old baby daughter Franzesca-Isabella when he spotted smoke ahead on the wooden boards.
Quick-thinking Thomas, of Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, feared the blaze could take hold as it was a very hot day and the wood was very dry – so he unzipped his trousers and peed on the flames.
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He told the Southend Echo: The wind was really strong so I tried to pee while standing up, but that failed so I got down on my knees.
I needed the toilet anyway so thought that this would just kill two birds with one stone.
Thomas believes the fire may have been caused by someone dropping a cigarette on the pier, which is more than a mile long.
More: UK
And he says the experience hasnt put him off visiting again – but says he deserves a free trip to theme park Adventure Island.
Southend Pier has faced a number of fires over the years, including in 2005 which meant it had to be rebuilt.
Following that fire, officials installed a sprinkler system, which they insist would have put out any flames from the cigarette.
James Courtenay, of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: We understand the visitor deployed his own sprinkler system to swiftly extinguish the miniature inferno.
We would like to invite the hero of the hour to return for a free visit – but kindly ask that he keeps his trousers firmly secured on this occasion.
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