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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

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page