On 9th August, flames swept across Holt Heath near Wimborne, Dorset. Thick smoke blanketed the sky, and the fire tore rapidly across the heathland. For the families living along its edge, it was a terrifyingly close call one of our clients’ beautiful, thatched properties came within metres of destruction.
They were lucky this time. But when it comes to fire risk, luck isn’t a strategy.
Rising Fire Risk in Dorset
Wildfires and heathland blazes are no longer rare events. Hotter, drier summers are becoming the norm, and Dorset, Hampshire and the wider South Coast are particularly vulnerable. Heathland, once seen as scenic and safe, can function as tinder under the right conditions.
Just one spark can devastate acres of land and threaten the homes that border it.
The Unique Risk to Thatched & Heritage Properties
Thatched homes are some of the most charming and historic properties in the UK. But their beauty comes with vulnerability:
• Thatch ignites quickly and burns intensely.
• Reinstating a listed or heritage property after fire damage can take years and costs far more than a standard rebuild.
• Many of these homes sit close to open land, making them especially exposed during wildfires.
When fire strikes, recovery isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about preserving history and safeguarding lifestyles.
The Insurance Gap Few Talk About
Standard policies often underestimate the actual cost of reinstating a high-value or heritage home. Owners may believe they are fully covered, only to discover limits in their policy after disaster strikes.
Common shortfalls include:
• Rebuild costs set far below current construction and materials prices.
• Limited cover for listed or heritage reinstatement requirements.
• Inadequate protection for valuable contents, art, jewellery, collections that may also be lost in a fire.
This is where specialist cover makes the difference between rebuilding and being left exposed.
Proactive Protection
Homeowners can take steps to reduce their exposure:
• Creating fire breaks and maintaining defensible space around properties.
• Installing alarms and fire suppression systems designed for heritage homes.
• Ensuring their insurance policy reflects the actual cost of reinstatement.
At Property Wealth Insurance, we work with clients across Dorset and the South Coast to make sure their cover matches the value and vulnerability of their homes.
Final Word
The Holt Heath fire is a stark reminder: risk isn’t abstract. It’s real, it’s growing, and it’s often right on your doorstep.
Don’t rely on luck. If you own a high-value, thatched, or heritage property, speak to us about specialist protection that keeps your home, your collections, and your lifestyle safe.
📸 Photo credit: Lewis Johnstone Photography