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Poisonous Plants

 

 

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac  

These plants belong to a plant genus called Toxicodendron. They contain a toxic resin called Urushiol that causes the unpleasant effect in humans.  Interestingly, the urushiol compound is not a defensive measure for the plant, but instead helps it to retain water.

three leaves of different poisonous plants.

In general, poison ivy grows east of the Rocky Mountains, poison oak grows west of the Rocky Mountains, and poison sumac grows in the southeastern United States. Of note, the plants may look different depending on the season and the area where they are growing.

The most common reaction from exposure to this resin is an itchy red rash on the skin. The rash often includes fluid-filled small blisters called vesicles. The vesicles do not contain urushiol, and the rupture of the vesicles does not spread the rash. The rash is not contagious. In a first-time exposure, the appearance of skin lesions is common within 24 to 48 hours. For someone who has a previous exposure the rash generally appears sooner and often is more severe.

a forearm with rash from poisonous plants.

Urushiol is very heat stable and can aerosolize and effect the lungs if the plant is burned. Wildland firefighters should avoid this whenever possible. If present in an area with large amounts of these plants, plan to avoid them, especially during combustion.

Once exposed, the area should be washed. A person with an average allergic response can prevent an immune reaction by washing off the resin within 20 minutes with room temperature water and mild soap if available. The efficacy of rinsing the affected area seems to diminish as time passes.  Clothing should be carefully removed and washed thoroughly. Remember, the urushiol on clothes can last for days and cause repeated exposure until removed (laundered). 
See 6 Minutes for Safety – Dirty Nomex

Further treatment can include some over the counter itch creams and keeping the area clean. Try to avoid scratching as much as possible to reduce the chance of infection from bacteria on your hands and nails. For severe reactions or large portions of the skin, seek an evaluation by a medical professional as a prescribed medication may be beneficial.

Discussion Questions:

  • In what local and geographic areas are you likely to encounter poisonous plants?
  • What is your crew policy for engaging fire or reevaluating tactics when poisonous plants are present?
  • Have a conversation: Who on you crew has a serious reaction to poisonous plants? Who has never been exposed? What soaps and treatment do you carry?
  • What are some trigger points for seeking medical attention or taking time off the fireline to wash and heal. ...Location of the rash? ...Size of blisters? ...All of crew’s clothing covered in oils?

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

6MFS Suggestion Form


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2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
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Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

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NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
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Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

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2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1