Echo Lake Incinerator
Photographers are drawn to abandonment as it often provides for the most interesting photos. In south Fort Worth, the Echo Lake Incinerator has intrigued my curiosity for years and, recently, I was finally provided the opportunity to explore the beast that it is. I want to mention that I was not alone in my endeavors and I do not encourage anyone to do so as it is a haven for misconduct — more on that later. If you live in Fort Worth or have ever traveled through, you've most likely seen the building from the highway and recognize the several "OPIE!" tags at the top of the brick, and the two towering smoke stacks. Although it's quite easy to access, mounds of dumped trash throughout the field around it and overgrown brush make it arduous. Once you hop over a few concrete barriers, the smell of spray paint begins to hit you.
Layers upon layers of spray paint make a collage of graffiti all throughout.
According to multiple online forums, the building was erected in the 1950's by the city of Fort Worth to burn commercial and residential trash. At the end of their work day, dump trucks drivers would haul their loads to the incinerator where it was dumped into a pit at the bottom of the building. From there, a crane would pick up the trash and carry it to the third floor where it was sorted into hoppers and sent through the incinerator. The ash was collected in the basement and hauled off in rail cars. This only took place for two years, though.Changes in federal air pollution laws forced the city to shutter operations. For the first few years after the incinerator closed children would use the area as a playground. But, it wasn't long before local newspapers began publishing stories of crime that occurred, including drug and gang activity, murder and suicide.
Now, the abandoned building is a resting place for the homeless and a canvas for aspiring artists. Evidence of both — empty beer bottles and spray paint cans — litter the ground. The machinery used during its operation is still there, rusted and covered almost every inch by colorful words and the occasional drawing. During my visit, there was a black and white family photo tagged on one wall, and a colorful Ronald McDonald version of Donald Trump. I looked for spray painted words of wisdom, but could only find obscenities.
The most interesting floor is the third, which has a wall that has been sprayed with bullets. When you reach the top floor, the sun shines in through each of the holes and creates almost a night sky appearance.
Check out the rest of the photos I took during my trip below. Make sure to click on them for the full size. I'd definitely go back to this place again — never by myself or at night — to see the changing graffiti. And if you know who OPIE is, let me know!
