Fire Engulfs Former Governor Chuck Robb's McLean Home

MCLEAN, VA — A fire broke out late Tuesday at the home of former Virginia governor and senator Chuck Robb. Robb and his wife, Lynda, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue had responded around 11:29 p.m. to the 600 block of Chain Bridge Road in the early morning hours. Units encountered fire showing throughout the first floor of the large home. Smoke alarms alerted the Robbs to the fire. The two residents were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no reported firefighter injuries.

A statement provided by the Robb family through the governor's office confirmed the former governor and his wife went to the hospital. No one else was in the home at the time of the fire.

"Our entire family is deeply grateful to the firefighters for their rapid response and the medical professionals who are taking care of them," said the couple's three daughters in a statement. "We have what is most important to us — our mom and dad."

Gov. Ralph Northam shared his own message in a social media post.

"Pam and I were deeply saddened to learn of a fire at the home of former governor Chuck Robb," wrote Northam. "Our thoughts are with Chuck and Lynda as they recover from this tragedy."

The home had belonged to Robb and his wife for nearly 50 years and sustained major damage. Robb, a Democrat, served as governor from 1982 to 1986 and U.S. senator representing Virginia from 1989 to 2001.

Lynda Johnson Robb is the daughter of the late President Lyndon Johnson and Claudia Taylor “Lady Bird” Johnson.

Damages are estimated to be $1,625,000, according to the fire department. The cause remains under investigation. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said the investigation could take days or weeks due to the extent of damages.

The fire went to two alarms and could be seen across the Potomac River from DC and Maryland. Fire units from Arlington County and Montgomery County assisted with the call.