Military Helicopter Joins Search For Missing Orangevale Woman

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - A Blackhawk helicopter from the Army National Guard is helping in the search for a 62-year-old hiker who went missing in the area near a Central California wildfire.

Authorities said Sunday that despite the aid from the military, smoke is making the search very difficult for the missing Miyuki Harwood of Orangevale, and they fear it may also be hurting her health though she's not thought to be near the fire itself.

A Fresno County sheriff's statement says Miyuki separated on Thursday from a group of strangers she had signed up to take a hiking trip with in the Sierra National Forest.

The other members of the Sierra Club group knew little about her or her abilities, and authorities were trying to reach her family to learn more.