COLUMBUS - It's been a week since a house fire in Wisner claimed the lives of Darin Ahlers and his three sons. The boys' mother, Becky Ahlers of Columbus, said she's getting by with the help of her family, her friends and the community.
“We all pulled together,” she said. “I just go day by day.”
Crews from the Wisner and Beemer fire departments responded to the fire that was reported at 7:45 a.m. Feb. 14. Authorities said 32-year-old Darin Ahlers, 5-year-old Damian Ahlers and 4-year-old Dustin Ahlers all died at the scene. Three-year-old Deon Ahlers was taken to a West Point hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to The Associated Press.
No smoke detectors were found in the house. The home's owner, Geraldine Ahlers, Darin's mother, was not home at the time of the fire which was ruled accidental by the state fire marshal's office and other authorities. Officials believe children caused the fire by playing with matches.
Becky Ahlers, who separated from her husband earlier this year, would like to one day go to schools to tell students about fire safety. She said most kids don't know the powerful force that matches, lighters and small fires can turn into. “They don't understand,” she said.
She also would remind families to periodically check their smoke detectors or install them if they don't have them.
She said families should cherish the time they have together, because you never know what can happen.
Ahlers would like to thank the community for all of the support shown since the tragedy, including her former employer, Tyson Foods of Norfolk, which collected funds that Ahlers passed on to the fire and rescue services of Wisner and Beemer.
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