If you’re like many home cooks over 60, you’ve probably come to rely on parchment paper as a trusted kitchen companion. It makes baking cookies a breeze, helps roast vegetables without sticking, and cuts cleanup time in half. It feels like a harmless, even essential tool — but what many don’t realize is that parchment paper can actually be a fire hazard if used the wrong way.

Yes, parchment paper can catch fire. And it happens more often than you’d think.

Let’s take a closer look at why this happens, the most common mistakes people make, and what safer alternatives might be for your favorite recipes — especially those that involve higher heat.

Parchment Paper Isn’t Fireproof — Here’s Why
Parchment paper is not your average kitchen paper. It’s treated with a layer of heat-resistant silicone that gives it its non-stick magic. But here’s the catch: heat-resistant doesn’t mean fireproof.

Most brands of parchment paper are only safe up to 420°F. A few may stretch to 450°F, but that’s pushing the limit. If you go above those temperatures, parchment paper can brown, smoke — or worse, catch fire.

Even if you’re careful with the temperature, parchment paper can still ignite if it touches a hot surface directly, like the coils or walls inside your oven. Something as simple as a corner of the paper curling upward toward the broiler coil can be all it takes.

For older adults who may rely on parchment to avoid scrubbing pans or dealing with stuck-on food, this makes it extra important to understand how and when to use parchment paper safely.

Common Mistakes That Can Turn Dangerous