A suspected discarded cigarette in the "smoke-free" Rio Olympics village has sparked new tension between the Australian team and local officials after a fire forced athletes to evacuate the Australian quarters.

Fire alarms and sprinklers had been turned off by maintenance workers when the blaze broke out about 4.40am local time in rubbish beneath the Australian residence. "Some smoke filled up the stairwell," said Australian Olympic Committee spokesperson Mike Tancred said as officials went door-to-door to alert about 100 athletes. The fire was quickly controlled and no one was hurt.

But Australian chef de mission Kitty Chiller has asked to urgently meet Rio organisers and the International Olympic Committee to discuss conditions in the village.

Chiller said she was unhappy that workers and contractors continue to smoke in the village where work continues and piles of rubble and rubbish remain.