Firehose is an intelligent knowledge based system that assists first responders by providing on-the-ground disaster specific intelligence. The system constantly gathers data from different sources and builds a picture of what is happening on the ground at any given time for any given disaster. This presents a coherent situation report to help early responders make well informed decisions concerning disaster situations. The system scours the internet looking for information relating to disasters and emergencies. Information is also gathered from audio and video sources (i.e. street cameras) when available. This information is processed and archived. Users interact with the system using natural language (verbal or typed commands). Users must pose a question to the system and it will provide a response based on data it has collected regarding a given disaster. The system can also make recommendations on what actions can be taken in situation based on data it has collected. As an example, the system can inform a responder needing assistance of the estimated time of arrival of an emergency unit dispatched to their location. This system will retrieve information within the timeframe of 72 hours.