Things could look a lot worse before they get better. That's what first responders are saying about the wildfire at the New York/New Jersey border.

"It's stressful, I feel like we are in the clear now but the worst part is dealing with the smoke," says Greenwood Lake resident Anthony Sole.

It has been burned through thousands of acres and has lasted for five days now.

Some residents in Greenwood Lake have their bags packed in case they need to leave at any point.

First responders say the smoke and flames could grow even more.

"It's probably going to be very discomforting but I assure you, the firefighters will have this under control," says Greenwood Lake Mayor Thomas Howley.

It's all part of the plan to get this massive fire extinguished for good.

"These are controlled burns that are set by the state fire service, it's called 'back burning' so essentially they're going to back burn from the fire line in toward the fire," says Warwick town supervisor, Jesse Dwyer.

As that fight rages on from day to night, people like Mike Browne say they are grateful for the first responders. He was once a firefighter himself and knows firsthand what these crews are going up against.

"It is absolutely miraculous what they have done to stop this from getting to all of the houses here and they deserve a round of applause," says Mike Browne whose son lives in Greenwood Lake.

Due to the conditions, the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District is closed for the rest of the week.

The district released the following statement:

"Dear Greenwood Lake Community,

The Greenwood Lake community continues to be faced with the forest fire.    As a part of an upcoming PLANNED fire response initiative, and at the directive of an Emergency Declaration, Greenwood Lake School District will be CLOSED Thursday, November 14th and Friday, November 15th.  This directive was given based on the expected conditions in the area over the next few days. There will be no transportation provided for any resident children of Greenwood Lake to any educational location (ES, MS, Chester Academy, Warwick High, private schools, special education outside placements, etc).  

As a reminder, there are no afterschool activities today.   Please see my 11:45 email for information regarding that decision.

Parent teacher conferences originally scheduled for tomorrow will be rescheduled.  

More information regarding the planned fire response initiative would come from local government officials.

Thank you for FIRST RESPONDERS!"