Search for missing firefighter narrows after backpack, footprints found
Search and rescue crews were optimistic Wednesday they would find an off-duty Arcadia firefighter who has been missing for roughly five days in the Los Padres National Forest after chasing after his dog barefoot.
Footprints and a backpack belonging to Mike Herdman, 36, were found Tuesday, but the boulder-strewn and tree-covered terrain exacerbated the effort.
Searchers also found more of Herdman’s footprints south of the campsite near a creekbed, authorities said. Crews were using bloodhounds to try to pick up his scent as the search area narrows, officials said.
"That is a good sign," said Arcadia fire spokeswoman Beth Stogner. "We hope today is the day we find him."
Herdman has been missing since chasing after his dog in the Sespe Wilderness area north of Fillmore. His friend said Herdman was barefoot and wearing only shorts and a T-shirt when he ran after the dog when it took off unexpectedly Friday night from their campsite.
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Not that far from Ojai.Search and rescue crews were optimistic Wednesday they would find an off-duty Arcadia firefighter who has been missing for roughly five days in the Los Padres National Forest after chasing after his dog barefoot.
Footprints and a backpack belonging to Mike Herdman, 36, were found Tuesday, but the boulder-strewn and tree-covered terrain exacerbated the effort.
Searchers also found more of Herdman’s footprints south of the campsite near a creekbed, authorities said. Crews were using bloodhounds to try to pick up his scent as the search area narrows, officials said.
"That is a good sign," said Arcadia fire spokeswoman Beth Stogner. "We hope today is the day we find him."
Herdman has been missing since chasing after his dog in the Sespe Wilderness area north of Fillmore. His friend said Herdman was barefoot and wearing only shorts and a T-shirt when he ran after the dog when it took off unexpectedly Friday night from their campsite.
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Take care out there.
