A New York City firefighter suffering burns over more than 50 percent of his body, including his head, face and back, was released today from a Manhattan hospital where he’s spent the last three months in recovery.

Robert Wiedmann, 38, narrowly escaped death when he was trapped in a burning building in Brooklyn on December 19 after responding to fire at 1100 Prospect Place. He had been inside the building searching for residents when he was suddenly swallowed by a sudden burst of flames.

“It was almost like a fireball . . . If the temperature gets too high, it explodes,’’ Fire Chief Edward Kilduff had said at the time according to New York Post. “All [Wiedmann] saw was orange at that point.”

He had suffered burns on 54 percent of his body and spent 13 days on a respirator and the husband and father of two has more recovery ahead of him, according to his doctors at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center.

“I never thought I wouldn’t walk out of here,” Wiedmann said, according to the NY1. “It took three months, but I did it.”

Wiedmann thanked his doctors, family and fellow fire-fighters for their support throughout his 10 operations since his accident.

"Rob's commitment, his courage, his dedication, his perseverance to recover, has given every member of this department an uplifting spirit of hope, resilience and recovery," said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.

Wiedmann, 14-year-verteran, said that if he is able, he would return to firefighting.

“He has had a remarkably recovery,'' Somin said. “We are looking forward to seeing him at the fire house. He is a very motivated and tremendous fireman. Rob was always positive. He is strong muscular guy. He never complained. He is mentally tough, too.”

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