No injuries were reported but several residents fled into the street in bitter cold air when a fire erupted in a four-story apartment building in Tamaqua.

Emergency personnel were dispatched at 1:45 a.m. Saturday to 43-45 West Broad Street for an apartment dwelling fire.

Smoke and embers were shooting from the top rear of the building by the time firefighters arrived on scene.

Fast work by responders prevented flames from spreading to adjoining buildings, including Daniel E. Bingaman Insurance Agency to the west and Sherry Dental to the east.

It is unclear if those displaced will be able to return their apartments over the weekend.

The large, brick building is familiar to generations of local residents as the former J. J. Newberry's, Tamaqua's five-and-

ten-cents store. The structure spans the block from West Broad to West Rowe streets.

The building houses Phong's Nail Salon on the first floor and multiple apartments on the three upper floors.

The fire is under investigation.