PROVO, Utah (AP) — Utah cities where wildfires forced thousands of people to evacuate in September are now beginning to confront the long-term damage, including possible mudslides and debris flow.

The Daily Herald in Provo reports that Utah County is asking the federal government for $20 million to help deal with future problems, which could include damage to homes or the water supply.

Experts say problems can continue for up to five years after the original blaze as water flows down areas where trees and vegetation have been burned out by fire.

Many of the cities affected by the wildfires are too small to afford major cleanup costs, like steel fencing and re-planting vegetation, so they are going to the federal government for help.