Traffic was backed up through Tamaqua yesterday as firefighters worked to extinguish a car fire at a major intersection.

Emergency personnel responded to the busy intersection of Mauch Chunk Street and Pine Street (SR309) just before 7 p.m. after occupants of a green Dodge Stratus noticed smoke coming from the hood.After seeing this, they pulled their vehicle into the parking lot of Hess Windows and Tamaqua Tobacco Outlet.Witnesses said the two male occupants then ran across the street to the American Hose Company and told firefighters their car was on fire.Firefighters on scene said the smoke could be seen in both Coaldale and Hometown. Firefighters were quick to respond and put a stop to the fire before the car became engulfed.Responding were Tamaqua Police, Tamaqua Ambulance and firefighters from Tamaqua and surrounding communities.Firefighters had to lay hoses across Pine Street (SR309 northbound) to battle the fire.Tamaqua Fire Police volunteers staged themselves at major intersections in Tamaqua to direct northbound traffic through the borough.No injuries were reported. Tamaqua Police are investigating.