Thousands of South Korean-made Samsung washing machines sold in Australia were ordered to be recalled after 206 burst into flames, the New South Wales government said today.

One case involved a family whose house burned down after a faulty Samsung washing machine caught fire, broadcaster ABC reported.

More than 144,000 of the machines sold in Australia between 2010 and 2013 pose a fire risk, according to Victor Dominello, the New South Wales Minister Responsible for Fair Trading.

The compulsory recall followed two years of voluntary recalls on six types of Samsung washing machines sold between 2010 and 2013.

The New South Wales government said only 51 percent of the 55,000 machines sold in the state had been returned or fixed, so it required a mandatory recall.

- dpa