VIDEO - A San Diegan and former fire chief spoke to 10News about the freak accident that left him scarred for life.
10News caught up with Matt Shobert running up and down the steps at the San Diego Convention Center, training for a triathlon.
"Right now, exercise makes me feel the best," said Shobert.
His fight to feel better is a daily one.
"I've got about 18 inches of scars on my face," said Shobert.
On July 2, 2014, the Murrieta fire chief was first on scene at a part of town where a brush clearing operation was taking place.
"It was hot, dry and windy," said Shobert.
One second, he was standing near his SUV. "The next moment, I woke up face down in the dirt. My hands were numb and tingling," said Shobert.
He saw lots of blood.
"When I reached up to touch my face, a part of my face was missing and sheer terror took over," said Shobert.