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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.

Image
From left to right, poison Ivy, poison Sumac, and poison Oak.

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.

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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?
Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Allergies to Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Details on Identification

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NWCG Latest Announcements

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444