Don't point reaction tubes at your neighbor, or yourself. Something may splatter out. Here's a better solution. A fire will always result. Use a Bunsen burner for aqueous solutions only.
Steam baths are gentle ways of heating organics.
Then place your flask on the steam bath. They will quickly burn out. Read the experimental procedure ahead of lab. This could be what happens, if your mind is not on what you are doing. DO use a special thick-walled container for broken glass.