Boston update: Commissioner admits maintenance program is lacking; Air brake graphic; Public perception.

Some new information coming out of Boston and the death Friday of Lt. Kevin M. Kelley:

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser admits the Boston Fire Department lacks a rigorous routine maintenance schedule for its fleet. Click here for that story.

The Boston Globe at Boston.com has been big on the interactive graphics. They have one now that explains to the public how air brake systems work. Click here.

Speaking of the public, there is the issue of the perception about who may be at fault in this crash (it is so old school to wait for an actual investigation). The Boston Globe has an Internet poll on this topic. Click here.

Below are the results as of 12:50PM. Notice that most people think everyone shares some blame. I find it interesting that only 2% aren’t sure who is responsible. Does that mean everyone else is so sure already?

Whose responsible for Boston’s fire equipment failures and problems?

Firefighters, for not reporting concerns, problems sooner. 54 4%

The city, for not keeping up with maintenance. 171 12%

Fire department administration, managers, for failing to keep on top of issues 231 17%

All of the above 896 65%

I’m not sure 31 2%