On Wednesday, Greece assessed the damage caused by catastrophic fires near Athens that resulted in one fatality, compelled thousands to evacuate their residences, and took three days to subdue. Even as the smoke had yet to dissipate, civil protection authorities reported that the blaze consumed 10,000 hectares, obliterating approximately 100 dwellings along with other structures and vehicles. Although isolated fires continued to smolder, there were no significant active fires, but about 530 firefighters and 145 vehicles remained on alert, according to the fire department. "The intensity of the fire has diminished compared to the past few days," a fire department spokesperson informed AFP. "However, there are still some areas that could trigger the fires to reignite." The fire erupted on Sunday in Varnavas, close to the historic Marathon town, 40km northeast of Athens. Investigators suspect a malfunctioning electricity pole might have sparked the incident, as reported by Kathimerini newspaper. Intense winds fueled the flames, making it the most severe wildfire this year in Greece. As the inferno neared the capital's suburbs, teams from France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey, mobilized under an EU initiative, offered assistance to Greece in managing the fires. The fire brigade spokesperson noted that these reinforcements had not yet been deployed in the Athens fire. With thousands displaced from their homes, several stadiums were converted into shelters for the evacuees. Approximately 650 individuals were accommodated in hotels, according to the civil protection ministry. The government has allocated 4.7 million euros for the eight towns ravaged by the fires, with compensation for households and individuals impacted by the catastrophe. However, there is mounting frustration over what critics perceive as inadequate preparedness. "Understaffed, under-equipped, and completely uncoordinated," criticized Stefanos Kasselakis, leader of the left-wing Syriza opposition party, regarding the civil protection service, and blamed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "We are striving to enhance our efforts annually," Mitsotakis stated following an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday. "But the conditions are unfortunately becoming more challenging." About 200 protesters gathered outside parliament on Tuesday evening to condemn what they termed the government's "crimes." On Wednesday, as Mitsotakis visited a military base to express gratitude to pilots who operated firefighting aircraft, he emphasized that the government had procured seven new aircraft. "The solution will not solely rely on aerial efforts," he added, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. However, the annual toll of fires is escalating. According to the meteo.gr website of the National Observatory, 37 percent of forests around Athens have been destroyed by fires over the past eight years.