COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina fire departments will receive $1.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help them respond to fire and hazards in their communities.

The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants to local fire departments. The program provides departments with the tools and resources to protect the public and their firefighters.

The grants can be used for training, wellness, and fitness programs, buying new equipment or buying firefighting vehicles including pumpers, tankers and rescue vehicles.

Fire departments in Abbeville, Anderson, Belvedere, Blacksburg, Calhoun Falls, Lancaster, Orangeburg, Ridgeville, Rowesville, Spartanburg, Union, Williamston and Williston were awarded the grants.