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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Heatwave alert as Brits warned of BBQ fire risk during sizzling temperatures
This UK heatwave comes with potential fire risk from barbecues during rising temperatures, experts share advice on how to avoid the risk and save yourself from costly damages The rising temperatures in the UK's heatwave are causing many fires, specifically barbecue -related fires due to over half (50%) of Brits planning to take advantage of the hot weather and host a BBQ this summer. Since 2022, 4000 BBQ-related fires have occurred, and data also shows that emergency fire services have responded to 3,983 barbecue incidents. Across the UK, emergency services have reported 6,451 barbecue-related incidents overall. Property experts at Housebuyers4u has data that revealed, the Google searches for "how to keep a gas BBQ clean" have skyrocketed by 200% in the last year. People are also using TikTok videos for advice on how to clean their barbecues, and searches for "BBQ cleaning products" have also increased in the last 12 months by 67%. Housebuyers4u share top advice on how to prevent BBQ fires, with Paul Gibbens, property expert and marketing manager of the company saying: "Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a garden BBQ with family and friends. But while you're trying to remember who ordered a hot dog or a burger, proper BBQ safety must be top of your mind. There are things you can do to minimise any potential fire risks:" Don't BBQ too close to your home This is one of the biggest mistakes and you must make sure your BBQ is in a safe area before you light it, and away from your home or garden shed. A flat and stable surface should be used, away from things that could catch fire. Make sure your BBQ is properly cleaned If BBQs are not properly cleaned they can often catch fire, due to built-up grease which is a major catalyst which "can ignite and cause uncontrollable fires." Make sure your BBQ, grill gates and grease traps are cleaned thoroughly after every use. A steel grill brush with hot soapy water will remove debris and grease from your BBQ. This will prevent fires, but also your food will be cooked more evenly and prevent pest infestations. Take your time lighting your BBQ correctly It does not matter whether gas or charcoal is used, lighting your BBQ the right way is essential. Don't try speed up the process, take time in lighting the BBQ and this will ensure any "dangerous flare-ups" is avoided. Keep fire safety products nearby Gibbens continues: "When using your BBQ, it's best practice to keep a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher" nearby, if flames get uncontrollable. Keep children and pets away You may not notice when using your BBQ, but this is a big reminder to "keep small children and pets away from your BBQ" as they could get "too close to the flames" without you being aware. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Traditional British puddings face a sticky end
Classic British puddings, such as sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble, are at risk of disappearing within the next 50 years. Research by English Heritage indicates only two per cent of British households now make homemade puddings daily, with 62 per cent rarely or never preparing them. The decline is more pronounced among younger generations, with only 17 per cent of under 25s favouring classic hot puddings compared to 45 per cent of over 55s. This shift began in the 1970s as more women entered the workforce, leading to less time for traditional cooking and a preference for convenience. Despite efforts by English Heritage to revive interest in puddings, cold options like fresh fruit and ice cream have become significantly more popular desserts.
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Save our pudding! Are these homemade British comforts on the verge of extinction?
There is rarely a greater comfort than a dish of homemade sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble or treacle sponge being set on the table after during a family dinner. But the prominence of these British classics appears to be crumbling - as new research suggests they are even on the verge of extinction within the next 50 years. Once a staple of family dinners, English Heritage has found only 2 per cent of British households still make a daily homemade pudding, with 62 per cent rarely or never making them at all. The research revealed that classic puddings are even less popular with younger people, with only 17 per cent of under 25s naming classic hot puddings such as crumbles and steam puddings as their favourite dessert, in comparison to 45 per cent of over 55s. 'Sweet puddings are closely intertwined with British history and although our waistlines might benefit, I think we'd all agree, it would be a huge shame for them to die out,' Dr Andrew Hann, Senior Curator of History at English Heritage, said. He explained how recipes for sweetened meat pies can be found as far back as medieval times and, by the Tudor and Stuart periods. He said that puddings sweetened with honey or fruit were common, although many would also have contained meat. The peak of Britain's obsession with puddings peaked in the 1950s. But English Heritage said its decline appears to have started in the 1970s, when more women began to enter the workforce, causing a shift in family dynamics. Whilst nearly half of those born before 1970 said that their parents made puddings several times a week, even during the hottest days of summer, that was the case for only 25 per cent of those born in the 1970s. The decline has continued ever since – with only 14 per cent of 18–24-year-olds saying their parents made puddings several times a week and 28 per cent saying their parents never made homemade puddings. Today, 62 per cent of British households make puddings once a month or less, with 35 per cent never making any at all. Dr Hann said: 'The research shows a clear shift away from the traditional dessert over the past 50 years. As more women entered the workforce from the 1970s onwards, households no longer had as much time to cook and started to prioritise convenience. 'People tend to 'like what they know' and, over time, this has led to puddings falling out of fashion with younger generations who rarely eat them. If this decline continues, we can expect the classic Great British pud to all but vanish within the next 50 years. 'I'm pretty sure I speak for most people when I say that is not something we want to happen! There truly is nothing better in life than syrup sponge smothered in custard.' Although 36 per cent of those surveyed named classic hot puddings as their favourite, cold and healthier desserts have surged in popularity. Fresh fruit is now the most widely consumed dessert with 68 per cent of people eating it, closely followed by ice cream at 66 per cent. People are 68 per cent more likely to eat frozen desserts such as ice cream than homemade traditional puddings, despite only 9 per cent of people declaring them their favourite. In an attempt to reignite Britain's love affair with historic puddings, English Heritage has introduced two new pudding-inspired ice cream flavours to its sites and published a baking book.
