Bryan County Emergency Services responded to a structure fire on Abbey Drive about 1 p.m. today that left six people homeless.

A call to central dispatch indicated an outdoor fire spread to the residence, although BCES Chief Freddy Howell said the exact cause is unknown. The Red Cross has been called in. At least half the structure was lost.

Howell said there is a statewide burn ban in effect, even for counties not under a drought watch.

“We really need some rain,” he said.