Firefighters in Ohio were startled when thick smoke and fire at a Dillards department store in Mentor did not stop holiday shoppers from continuing with their shopping. The holiday shopping rush was so intense that firefighters had to block the doors to keep customers from coming in.

However, no one was injured in the blaze that occurred on Wednesday, but fire burned circuits of a high-voltage electrical panel near women's dressing. It took fire officials eight minutes to put it out.

According to AP reports Mentor fire Battalion Chief Joe Busher said, "It was amazing. Even though there was heavy smoke in there, they all wanted to stay and shop. We even had to put people at the door to keep people from coming in."

The fire officials estimated the damage to the store totaled close to $30,000 due to fire. However estimates to smoke damage to merchandise was closer to $100,000.

According to manager Mary White, the store is scheduled to reopen Friday.