Dominic Glen, branch manager at Poole insurance broker Howden, warned the current situation, described by the Environment Agency as a "flash drought," has left homes and land vulnerable. Mr Glen said: "While many people enjoy the sunshine, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can have serious consequences for homes, land, and local communities. "Most wildfires in the UK are linked to some form of human activity, so it's important to take extra care outdoors. Clay-rich soils, common across parts of England and Wales, shrink as they dry, potentially causing movement beneath buildings. Mr Glen said: "Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and ensuring your cover remains suitable for your property can provide valuable peace of mind should the unexpected happen."