California Wildfires Spreading Oil from Poison Oak

Recent news stories report firefighters encountering large amounts of poison oak in their attempts to squelch California wildfires. And in another story at Channel 4 KRNV, a Reno man suffered the effects of poison oak after driving through a smoky wildfire area with his car windows down. Apparently oil from poison oak (which had burned in the fire) was carried in on the smoke, and caused the man's skin to break out in an itchy rash. It was serious enough to land him in the hospital. This is one reason people are advised to not use fire as a means to remove poison oak from their property.

Savvy nature hikers are well aware of the rash inducing poison oak, and know to avoid the prolific weed. While it often blends in with the harmless underbrush, come autumn it is easier to spot, as the leaves begin to turn vibrant red. The plant produces a white berry, which should also be avoided and is not edible.

People need to avoid poison oak, but cows and goats can dine on the weed and suffer no ill effects. If a human drinks the milk from an animal that has eaten poison oak, the human will temporarily become immune to the effects of the troublesome plant. I've read stories where families, who live in the country, in areas heavy with poison oak, will keep a goat to graze on the troublesome weed. Goat's milk is then consumed by the family, which will provide immunity to the itchy effects of the weed. (Source: Nature's Way, Mountain/Hi-Desert Guide, Robeth Publishing)

Often people are immune to poison oak on the first encounter with the plant, yet don't assume your next brush with the weed won't induce a rash. If you come in contact with poison oak, immediately wash the area with soap and water. It will take about three days before you break out in a rash. If any oil remains on your skin or clothes, you can spread the rash or give it to another person.

Some experts claim poison oak is simply a bushier version of poison ivy, and both belong to the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. There have been claims that the rising levels of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which are heating up the atmosphere, are causing a rapid growth of poison ivy.

As global warming increases, and these poisonous, itch inducing plants become more prolific, there is only one sensible answer. It is time to buy a goat.

Sources:

http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8646321&nav=menu113_2

Nature's Way, Mountain/Hi-Desert Guide, Robeth Publishing