THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF RISK IN A RURAL-COMMUNITY - RESPONSES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS TO THE 1990 HAGERSVILLE (ONTARIO) TIRE FIRE

This paper presents the findings of research relating to the 1990 Hage rsville (Ontario) tire fire. After reviewing the literature on risk an d risk perception, it begins by describing the event as well as the co mmunity in which it occurred. The reasons for adopting a qualitative r esearch design are then established practical, conceptual, and methodo logical. The residents' accounts of the fire, evacuation, and aftermat h in terms of concerns, anxieties, and responses are described. Five t hemes emerge: economic, community, health, environmental, and governan ce. The paper concludes by putting forward a case study-derived model of risk appraisal and management, and by relating the findings to poli cy issues.