Firefighters from two counties were called to Carnes's Clamtown Tavern and Restaurant in Clamtown just before 7:30 this morning after a passer-by reported seeing heavy smoke coming from the building. Despite a fast response from firefighters, the building suffered major fire and smoke damage.

Firefighters who responded to the fully engulfed structure were quick to connect to a fire hydrant and get water on the fire, preventing the two-story business from being completely destroyed.Firefighters on scene stated the fire appeared to start in the tavern's kitchen.Tamaqua Fire Department's ladder truck was used by firefighters to reach the roof. In addition, firefighters set up water bladders throughout the area.According to the Schuylkill County Parcel locator, the business, located at 1000 Clamtown Road, is owned by Robert Carnes and Jason Schmidt.Less than 20 minutes prior to the fire being discovered, some of the responding emergency personnel were at another emergency scene less than two miles away, in which two woman were seriously hurt, one critically, in a head-on collision on SR309 in South Tamaqua.Responding were firefighters from Tamaqua, West Penn, Hometown, New England Valley, New Ringgold and Mahoning Valley.Fire Police from West Penn, Tamaqua and Hometown closed SR443 for the duration as firefighters laid hose across SR443.A fire marshal is expected to be on scene today or tomorrow to investigate the cause. No serious injuries were reported.No more information was available as of press time.