Search For Missing Orangevale Woman Intensifies
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Search crews have stepped up efforts to find a 62-year-old hiker who went missing near a Central California wildfire.
A drone was launched Tuesday to help search for Miyuki Harwood, who was last seen Aug. 20 in the Sierra National Forest.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office spokesman Officer Tony Botti says the thick fire smoke has made the search challenging.
The drone will allow live video to be streamed to rescuers on the ground.
Additionally, a helicopter will deploy 25-30 more search team members, search dogs and supplies into the forest. The new search crew is prepared to spend the next five days in the wilderness.
Miyuki separated last Thursday from a group of strangers she had signed up to take a hiking trip with in the forest. Her abilities as a hiker are unknown.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.