Missing firefighter: Additional resources called

FILLMORE, Calif. (KABC) -- Crews searching for a missing off-duty firefighter in the Los Padres National Forest are not giving up hope. On Wednesday, a dog matching the description of Mike Herdman's dog was spotted.

The dog was brown like Duke, but it ran off before crews could confirm that it was Herdman's dog. Search teams are now scouring the area where they think the dog ran.

Herdman, 36, and his friend set out hiking deep into the back country along Sespe Creek on June 11. He disappeared Friday after chasing after his dog, Duke, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. It took Herdman's friend two days to hike out and get cellphone service, alerting authorities that Herdman was missing on Sunday.

On the first day of the search, crews found Herdman's backpack and footprints along Sespe Creek, but nothing else was found since then.

Additional resources were brought in to aid in the rescue efforts. Grounds crews and search dogs were flown into the remote mountains above Fillmore. Ventura County has activated the state mutual aid system, bringing in more resources from Orange County, Los Angeles County and the San Luis Obispo County sheriff's departments.

"We want to get him back in. You can live out there days ... but his safety is our concern," said Ventura County Sheriff's Department Deputy Chris Dyer.

Officials say Herman has access to fresh water. Foul play is not suspected in the case.