Short answer: incandescent bulbs are not the safest option by several practical measures, but they can be used safely with proper precautions. What makes incandescent bulbs less safe

• High heat: incandescent bulbs convert most energy to heat, not light. This heat increases the risk of burns, heat buildup, and fire if the bulb is near flammable materials or in poorly ventilated fixtures. They can also cause fixtures to get very hot over time [general safety reasoning].
• Breakage and exposure: when a bulb breaks, hot glass and debris can pose a burn or cut hazard. Some bulbs contain materials that, if inhaled or released during breakage, can be problematic, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Fire risk in some contexts: in places with crowded or cluttered wiring, or in fixtures that aren’t rated for high heat, there’s a small but real fire risk if a hot bulb contacts flammable materials or overheats a fixture.
• Efficiency and electrical load: incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient than LEDs or CFLs, meaning more electrical load and more heat produced for the same amount of light. That extra energy usage translates to more heat in the room and more demand on your electrical circuit.

What can improve safety when using incandescent bulbs

• Use only bulbs rated for the fixture and keep a safe distance from flammable materials (curtains, paper, aerosols, etc.).
• Ensure fixtures have proper ventilation and are not enclosed unless the bulb is labeled for enclosed fixtures.
• Handle bulbs carefully to avoid breakage; use a thick cloth or gloves when changing hot bulbs in hot environments.
• Consider using lower-wattage bulbs or dimmable variants to reduce heat output, and replace with cooler technologies when possible.
• If safety concerns are paramount (homes with children, pets, or high heat sensitivity), switch to LEDs or other low-heat lighting options.

If you’d like, I can tailor guidance to your specific use case (room type, fixture kind, desired color temperature) and compare incandescent with LED/CFL options to balance safety, energy use, and light quality.