Edge Complex Fire July 2005

The Edge Complex Fire started Friday, July 15, 2005 from a lightning strike 23 miles south of Payson, Arizona. It burned 71,635 acres before being contained on Monday, July 25, 2005. The fire threatened residences in Tonto Basin and Sunflower, as well as the Mt. Ord communications complex. Thanks to the valiant efforts of 908 firefighters, no structures or lives were lost.

small photo • large photo

The roar of Sikorsky Sky Cranes filled the air for days as fire crews raced the flames of the Edge Complex Fire.
small photo • large photo

Flames from the Edge Complex Fire came dangerously close to homes in Tonto Basin.
small photo • large photo

A slurry bomber drops a load of retardant on the Edge Complex Fire that burned 71,635 acres between Tonto Basin and Sunflower.
small photo • large photo

A Sikorsky Sky Crane takes up water from Tonto Creek near Punkin Center.
small photo • large photo

Tonto Basin homeowner Willie Brown uses his own bulldozer to help clear roads for fire crews fighting the Oak and Edge Complex Fires.
small photo • large photo

Hotshot crews navigate rough terrain as they work to subdue the lightning-caused blaze near Punkin Center.
small photo • large photo

Flames moved too close for comfort in Tonto Basin and Sunflower.
small photo • large photo

Tonto Basin residents Bob and Beverly Sherman wait anxiously at the Red Cross evacuation center set up at Julia Randall Elementary School. "We grabbed the dog, our medicine, a change of clothes and some valuables," Beverly said. "It feels sickening because of all the things we had to leave behind," Bob said.
small photo • large photo

Payson Red Cross volunteer Henry Henkel sets up cots at Julia Randall Elementary School. The school was the original evacuation center location for Oak and Edge Complex Fire Evacuees.
small photo • large photo

Smoke and ash filled the sky and nearly blocked out the sun.
small photo • large photo

On the bottom, right corner of this photo you can see firefighters working to create a fireline near homes in Tonto Basin.
small photo • large photo

Greg Keller, superintendent for the Modoc Hotshots, coordinates fire operations near Punkin Center.
small photo • large photo

The fire casts an eerie darkness over the horizon.
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo

Fire crews were able to stop the blaze with no loss of life or structures.
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo
small photo • large photo

Executives from the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross passing through town while the evacuation shelter was open looked in on Payson volunteers. Chief Operating Officer John Phelps (left) and Chief Executive Officer Cathy Tisdale flank Lew Levenson, who heads the Payson unit.
small photo • large photo

Lew Levenson, who heads the Payson unit of the American Red Cross, sets up cots at the Edge Complex Fire evacuation center.
small photo • large photo

Fire crews worked tirelessly to stop the fires from advancing on homes in Tonto Basin and Sunflower.