SYDNEY, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- State emergency services in New South Wales (NSW) welcomed the first of four Large Air Tankers (LAT) at a Royal Australian Air Force Base in Richmond, near Sydney, on Friday.

Expected to play a pivotal role in this year's wildfire season, the Canadian-made RJ-85 aircraft is capable of carrying 11,300 liters of water or fire retardant and can be used for direct attacks on bush and grass fires, as well as the establishment of containment lines near urban areas.

State Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said that as the state enters the "Bush Fire Danger Period", the new aircraft nicknamed "Boomer", "will help protect our communities and ensure our devoted firefighters have the best support possible."

"With 38 million Australian dollars (27.5 million U.S. dollars) allocated over four years for these massive aircraft, our government continues to lead the way with the biggest investment in the country to support these resources," he said.

"This impressive aircraft will support the efforts of our firefighters on the ground to ultimately ensure that lives and property are kept as safe as possible this season."

With ongoing drought and warm conditions predicted to continue over the coming months, authorities are expecting extreme fire danger over the summer period.

In the month of August alone, there have been more than 2,000 fires across the state.

"Embers can be blown a great distance ahead of a bush fire, travelling several streets and potentially igniting spot fires," NSW Fire and Rescue Service acting commissioner Malcolm Connellan warned.

"It's absolutely essential that you are not complacent, and make sure your family has a survival plan in place."