SAN DIEGO - Fire stations joined hospitals as safe surrender sites for unwanted infants thanks to a vote Tuesday by the county Board of Supervisors.

Under the measure, infants can be dropped off within 72 hours of birth, no questioned asked, at any fire station in the county that's staffed 24 hours a day. Firefighter paramedics will assume temporary custody of the infants before taking them to the nearest hospital and transferring custody to a designated hospital employee.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law passed the state Legislature in 2001 and was permanently extended in 2006. Under the law, parents or guardians can drop off unwanted infants at any hospital emergency room statewide without fear of prosecution. It also provides birth parents the option to reclaim children within 14 days of surrendering them.

Since it was passed, 182 newborns have been safely surrendered in California, including four in San Diego County.

County hospitals will continue to be safe surrender sites. Fire stations are required to display signs marking their participation in the program.