Insulation batts posing house fire risk

Fire authorities have reported house fires started by poorly installed insulation batts.

* Related Story: Opposition wants pink batt 'scandal' inquiry

The Federal Opposition says dodgy insulation companies are putting lives at risk in the mad rush to get a slice of the Government's $2.7 billion program.

Greg Hunt, the Opposition spokesman for climate change, says fire authorities in four states have reported house fires started by poorly installed insulation batts.

He says cowboy operators are placing insulation over hot transformers connected to halogen down lights.

"There must be an immediate auditor general's inquiry and there must be an immediate process of checking those roofs," Mr Hunt said.

"Real lives are at risk. It is the fire authorities that are warning of dodgy installers putting insulation over light fittings.

"Australian Insulations installers follow the strictest guidlines in the industry and are very proud of our record to date.  We have had a 100% pass rate for all internal and government audits to date and have had no fire damage or overheating from any job performed." Les Green, Operations Director.

"New South Wales fire brigades have warned of a growing number of fires. There have been 26 in the state.

"The Western Australia fire authorities have reported at least one roof space every week since the program began, while in Victoria the CFA has warned of roof fires precisely through incorrect installation of pink batts."

Mr Hunt says Queensland homeowners have also been the victims of fires where batts have been installed improperly.