KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two homes exploded in south Kansas City Monday afternoon as an apparent sniper fired shots at emergency workers. One female paramedic was hit.

The explosions happened around 4 p.m. One explosion may have been caused by a propane tank in one of the homes, Kansas City TV station KMBC reported. Their news chopper was in the air above the home when the second explosion occurred and captured it on tape. The explosion sent debris flying into the air at least 1,000 feet, KMBC reported. Police said rubble landed five blocks away from the home.

A shooter fired as firefighters, paramedics and police responded to the burning home after a 911 call.

Firefighters were first to arrive at the scene, and quickly came under fire from a sniper. The 12 firefighters called for help, and police and additional emergency crews were sent to the scene. According to Fire Department spokesman Germane Friends, none of the firefighters were injured.

During the gun battle, another house across the street erupted in flames and ammunition in one of the houses exploded. It's not clear whether there's any connection between the ammunition and the shooter.

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