diff --git a/src/read.c b/src/read.c
index 84a3278a3..8bb5b80d3 100644
--- a/src/read.c
+++ b/src/read.c
@@ -1605,7 +1605,10 @@ struct obj *sobj; /* scroll, or fake spellbook object for scroll-like spell */
         if (!already_known)
             (void) learnscrolltyp(SCR_FIRE);
         if (confused) {
-            if (Fire_resistance) {
+            if (Underwater) {
+                pline("A little %s around you vaporizes.", hliquid("water"));
+            }
+            else if (Fire_resistance) {
                 shieldeff(u.ux, u.uy);
                 if (!Blind)
                     pline("Oh, look, what a pretty fire in your %s.",