The husband of a barrister who died while helping her children escape a burning caravan has launched a legal claim against the glamping company that operated the site.
Roland Pingree is suing Happy Days Retro Vacations for more than £200,000 following the death of his wife, Ruth Pingree, 42, who was killed in a fire at a Suffolk glampsite in July 2022.
Family Holiday Turns Into Deadly Emergency
Mrs Pingree had travelled with her husband and children from Thames Ditton, Surrey, to stay at the glamping site near Saxmundham, Suffolk, alongside several other families.
The family were staying in a vintage Airstream caravan known as “Betsy” when it became engulfed in flames during the early hours. Mrs Pingree helped her children escape but was unable to get out herself.
Claim Focuses On Smoke Alarm And Fire Safety
Mr Pingree alleges that the caravan’s smoke alarm was defective and failed to sound, costing his wife vital time that could have helped her escape.
He is also bringing personal injury claims for himself and his children. The lawsuit seeks damages for fatal injury, loss and damage under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
Inquest Heard Fire May Have Started Outside Caravan
An earlier inquest heard the fire may have been caused by stray campfire coals or a cigarette end. The site had been dry and windy, with hotter than average weather at the time.
The coroner found that the blaze began outside one end of the caravan before spreading inside. The heat caused the aluminium cladding and door frame to jam, trapping Mrs Pingree inside.
Children Raised Alarm As Smoke Filled Caravan
According to the inquest, Mr Pingree was alerted by the children after the caravan had quickly filled with dark smoke.
With Mr Pingree outside and Mrs Pingree still inside, the couple helped the children escape through a window. Mrs Pingree was later overcome by smoke and flames.
Company Denies Liability For Death
Happy Days Retro Vacations denies responsibility for Mrs Pingree’s death.
In its defence, the company admitted it owed visitors a duty of care but rejected claims that its risk assessment was inadequate. Its lawyers said the assessment was proportionate to the size and nature of the premises.
Defence Says Smoke Detector Was Checked
The company’s barrister, Joel Kendall, said the smoke detector had been checked and was working three to four days before the family arrived.
He also denied that the detector failed during the fire. The defence argued there were several windows suitable for escape if the door could not be used.
Dispute Over Safety Measures At Site
Mr Pingree claims there had been no proper safety assessment of the caravan’s awning, artificial grass, or interior materials.
The company denies that such an assessment was reasonably required. Its lawyers said the central fire pit was around 11.5 metres from the caravan awning and was surrounded by bricks to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
Alcohol Claims Raised In Defence
The company’s defence also refers to Mrs Pingree’s blood alcohol level after the incident, arguing that alcohol may have affected her judgment, reactions, and ability to wake quickly.
Those claims are expected to form part of the disputed issues if the case proceeds in court.
Impact and Consequences
The case could place renewed scrutiny on fire safety standards at glamping sites, particularly those using vintage caravans, artificial grass, awnings, and communal fire pits.
It may also raise questions about how often alarms should be checked, what kind of risk assessments are required, and whether holiday operators should face stricter duties when guests sleep in converted or retro vehicles.
What’s next?
The case is expected to proceed to a pre-trial hearing unless both sides reach a settlement before then.
The glampsite at Wardspring Farm, Leiston Road, Saxmundham, has since permanently closed.
Summary
Roland Pingree is suing Happy Days Retro Vacations after his wife, barrister Ruth Pingree, died in a caravan fire at a Suffolk glampsite in July 2022.
He claims a faulty smoke alarm and inadequate safety assessments contributed to her death.
The company denies liability and says its safety checks and risk assessment were reasonable.
Bulleted Takeaways:
- Ruth Pingree, 42, died in a fire at a Suffolk glampsite in July 2022.
- Her husband, Roland Pingree, is suing Happy Days Retro Vacations for more than £200,000.
- He claims the caravan’s smoke alarm was defective and failed to sound.
- The company denies liability and says the alarm had been checked before the family arrived.
- An inquest heard the fire may have started from campfire coals or a cigarette end.
- The case may go to a pre-trial hearing unless a settlement is reached.
