Miss Maravene Terry 1942

 Miss Maravene Terry burned to death caused by smoking a cigarette in bed at 1922 North Highland Ave, Apartment 16. December 19, 1942.

black & white photo colorized by me.

Smoking in bed is a well-known fire hazard, often leading to tragic outcomes. In this case, Miss Maravene "Terry" Manning, a 34-year-old former stage actress and aviatrix, lost her life in a fire believed to have started from a cigarette while she was in bed. Smoking in bed is particularly dangerous because it involves two significant risks: the cigarette can easily ignite flammable materials like bedding, and the individual may fall asleep with the cigarette still burning. If this happens, the bed linens, mattress, or other nearby items can catch fire, quickly spreading flames. Since fires started this way typically occur at night, the individual might not immediately notice the danger, as they are often asleep or in a confined space, such as a bedroom.

In Miss Manning's case, the fire spread from her bed, and though she tried to escape, she was apparently overcome by smoke before reaching safety. Smoke inhalation is often more dangerous than the flames themselves in a fire. When a person breathes in the toxic fumes produced by burning materials, such as fabric and furniture, several things can happen. First, the smoke can displace oxygen in the air, leading to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), which can cause disorientation, loss of consciousness, and eventually, death. Additionally, smoke contains harmful gases like carbon monoxide and cyanide. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more effectively than oxygen, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen to function. This leads to unconsciousness and, in severe cases, death from asphyxiation.

Miss Manning was found asphyxiated on the floor near a window, indicating she was likely trying to escape the smoke-filled room but was unable to reach fresh air in time. Her two Pekingese dogs were saved by firemen who broke down a bolted door to gain entry. Sadly, Miss Manning was unable to escape the apartment, succumbing to the toxic effects of smoke inhalation before help could reach her.

Miss Manning's death came just months after her mother, Mrs. Elia Manning, passed away in September 1942. Her funeral service was held at Forest Lawn Mortuary in the Little Church of the Flowers, and she was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery on December 23, 1942. She was survived by her sister, Mrs. Betty Northrup, who was left to mourn both her mother and sister within a short span of time.