South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue got more than they bargained for when they shared a picture of one of their staff out on duty in uniform during the midst of the heatwave.
After being inundated with call-outs, the fire service posted a plea on its social media pages asking for people to avoid BBQ's, garden bonfires and open water swimming as temperatures soared across the region earlier this week.
But, in spite of the serious message, as comments piled onto the post it seemed most people had just one thing on their mind - and it wasn't fire safety.
Shortly after the fire service posted their appeal, some seriously thirsty comments started flooding in thick and fast below with many quick to comment on the local fireman's attractive appearance.
One person quipped: "Just when I thought today couldn't get any hotter! I've just burst into flames, please send help"
Another commented that after seeing the post mums across west and south Yorkshire would be "having bbqs on bonfires hoping this chap is turning up to give us a talking to."
Whilst a third joked: "No worries on this page guys it was a false alarm! Everyone on here is wet enough to put their own fire out."
A fourth added: "If he’s coming to the rescue then I’m going to do all of the above."
At the time of writing, the post has been shared over 2,500 times and had more than 500 comments - with many praising the hard work of local firefighters in recent days.
All jokes aside, the heatwave has caused some devastation across Yorkshire with at least 10 homes being destroyed as wildfires spread across the region on what has been branded the hottest day in the UK's history.
The recent heatwave has led to renewed calls for climate change pledges to make the UK carbon neutral by 2050 to be adhered to and even moved forward, as the reality of global temperature increases starts to hit home.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Georgina Pellant -
21st July 2022 
