Fischer Joins Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Nebraska Leaders to Survey Wildfire Damage

OGALLALA - Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooks Rollins to Nebraska to survey Morrill fire damage and meet with first responders and locals impacted by the wildfire.

"Today Secretary Rollins saw firsthand the scale of these wildfires and the devastation they brought to farmers and ranchers across Nebraska," said Fischer. "Most importantly, she witnessed how our first responders and volunteers stepped up, working around the clock to keep our communities safe. I am thankful for Secretary Rollins' leadership in meeting our challenges head on, and I will be working closely with USDA, and Governor Pillen, to make sure those impacted get the assistance they need."

At approximately 10:00am CT, the group departed Ogallala Municipal Airport via CH-47 helicopters for an aerial view of the Morrill fire.

Upon returning to the airport, the group traveled to the Keith County Fairgrounds for a briefing from the Nebraska National Guard, line firefighters, first responders, and local producers on the status of the wildfires and damages.

Fischer spoke directly to those impacted and got insight from local officials about assistance needed for recovery.

Photos from the visit can be downloaded here.

Full list of public officials in attendance below:

Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Jim Pillen, Governor of Nebraska

Deb Fischer, U.S. Senator, Nebraska

Pete Ricketts, U.S. Senator, Nebraska

Adrian Smith, U.S. Representative, Nebraska's Third Congressional District

Major General Craig Strong, Nebraska National Guard Adjutant General

Mike Hilgers, Attorney General of Nebraska

Erv Portis, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director

Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation

Colonel Bryan Waugh, Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent

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