The state has increased firefighting personnel and moved an additional helicopter to San Diego County in anticipation of the increased wildfire threat from a windy, dry weather system this week, fire officials said Tuesday.

The National Weather Service morning issued a "red flag" warning Tuesday for increased wildfire risk through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The forecast called for west to northwest winds between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph in the mountains and deserts, the Weather Service said.

On Wednesday, the winds are expected to change direction to blow from the north or northeast, at speeds of 25 mph with gusts of up to 45 mph. Relative humidity is expected to be less than 15 percent, Weather Service forecasters said.

While neither coastal nor inland temperatures are expected to climb out of the 60s until Friday, high winds and dry vegetation mean a fire risk, said Nick Schuler, battalion chief and spokesman with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"Though people waking up have to put their jackets on, the potential for a fire exists," he said.

In anticipation of the windy weather, the state has staffed additional brush engines in San Diego County and added personnel to lead strike teams, run emergency command operations and staff bulldozers, Schuler said. A helicopter has also been repositioned from Northern California to Fallbrook, he said.

Call staff writer Sarah Gordon at 760-740-3517.