BOSTON -- The Boston Fire Department does not have an effective system for truck inspections, repairs or maintenance, according to a report released Wednesday by the department.

The department commissioned the report in the wake of the Ladder 26 crash on Jan. 9 that killed Lt. Kevin Kelley.

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser told Team 5 last week that Mercury Consulting advised him that preventive maintenance inside the fire department is basically non-existent.

The report gives the city's fire truck mechanics and supervisors a failing grade, saying mechanics and supervisors do not know the most simple manufacturer's recommendations, like when to do oil changes.

"It comes as no surprise to us that the maintenance is not getting a passing grade," Boston Firefighters Union Ed Kelly said last week.

The report also said firefighters do not receive any driver training at the Fire Academy.

On numerous occasions, the union or firefighter supervisors warned the commissioner that more needed to be done to ensure public safety, Team 5's Sean Kelly said.

A letter dated in 2006 obtained by Team 5 Investigates warned the commissioner of grave safety deficiencies because of equipment maintenance.

In 2007, the commissioner received a memo from the deputy of fleet maintenance that specifically asked for a preventative maintenance program -- the same type of program consultants recommended two months after a fatal crash from brake failure.

"I think that had that piece been inspected by a certified mechanic and maintained properly by a certified mechanic that there's a good possibility Kevin would be alive today and home with his family," Ed Kelly said.

The report said the department has started implementing some changes including replacing 11 pieces of apparatus and securing City Hall's support for a multi-year fleet replacement plan.