Search continues for missing 62-year-old hiker in Sierra National Forest

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The search for a missing hiker in Fresno County is proving to be a difficult one for sheriff's deputies.

Investigators say Miyuki Harwood, 62, of Orangevale left for a hike Tuesday but got separated from her group. She was last seen Thursday afternoon.

On Sunday, the National Guard sent in a Blackhawk helicopter to help search by air. But smoke from the Rough Fire has made it difficult for helicopter crews to see.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says 25 deputies are hiking in some of the roughest terrain in the county to find Harwood. "The worst case scenario is that she is down, hurt and can't call out for help," said Mims. "Unfortunately, we can't get air support in there because of the smoke from the fire, so we can't see where she might be."

Search and rescue crews plan to continue looking for Harwood for at least the next few days.