MANKATO-October 4, 2012-(KMKO)-The Mankato Department of Public Safety Fire Division is urging residents to be aware of fire hazards that can occur as the winter months approach.  One of the more common fires are caused by clothes dryers.  You should use smooth metal duct vents, keep duct length as short as possible because long ducts can attract lint, clean lint filter before each cycle and do not leave a clothes dryer running if you are leaving home or going to bed.