WA ignores Samsung washing machine warning

Thousands of West Australians are ignoring warnings from the consumer watchdog about an appliance directly linked to hundreds of house fires, putting their lives at risk.

Consumer Protection says more than 6500 faulty Samsung top-loader washing machines, responsible for more than 200 house fires throughout Australia, remain in WA.

The affected units, manufactured between 2010 and 2013, have an internal fault where condensation can penetrate an electrical connector, potentially causing a fire.

Acting commissioner David Hillyard said WA had the worst response rate in the country, and pleaded with consumers to return the machines immediately as their lives were at risk.