From Sydney Morning Herald:
Electronics giant Samsung is recalling 150,000 washing machines across  Australia after fears the top loaders are sparking fires.

The company is recalling six models of its top loading washing machines after 15 fires involving the machines across the country.

The fires were sparked by water condensing on the machine's motor connection,  NSW Fair Trading said.

NSW fire investigators raised safety concerns with the washing machines after  firefighters attended six fires linked to the product since November.

Samsung sold 150,000 machines in Australia between 2010 and 2013, including  almost 63,000 in NSW, it said.

Another 36,000 machines have been sold in New Zealand.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe says Samsung will provide an in-house  service to fix affected machines.

In the meantime customers are advised to only do their washing if they are  present to monitor it.

"If you notice any smoke or smell coming out of the washing machine, turn off  the machine at the power point," he said in a statement.