Incandescent and CFL bulbs get so hot because most of their energy is being released as heat, not light, making them much more ineffeicient. Proprietary tests show 100W incandescent lights burning at 335.4 F, CFL lights

Do fluorescent light get hot?

Fluorescent lights do not get as warm as their incandescent counterparts. Fluorescent lights never get hot, but a small amount of heat energy is created when keeping a fluorescent light on.

Can fluorescent lights cause fire?

Overheated fluorescent lights can cause fires! Overheating of the ballast could result in the following: Ignition of nearby combustible materials. Explosion of the ballast due to the generation of gases inside.