SAN DIEGO -- A man who suffered burns over 65 percent of his body during last October's wildfires was released Wednesday from UCSD Medical Center, where he underwent 18 surgeries and 130 therapy sessions.

Rudy Reyes, a 26-year-old archaeologist and small business owner, was discharged from the burn unit after 129 days of treatment.

"He said he feels as though he is going to get right back up again and go on with his life," said the medical center's Eileen Callahan. "He's determined to go on with his life."

For the next several months, Reyes will continue his rehabilitation with frequent outpatient clinic visits, she said.

Reyes said he wants to get back to work as soon as he can. He plans to return to his home near the Barona Indian Reservation to live with his mother and brother in a temporary trailer.

His home was destroyed when the Cedar Fire swept through the neighborhood along Wildcat Canyon Road.

Wildfires in San Diego County blackened more than 376,000 acres, destroyed more than 2,400 homes and took 17 lives.