No you induce flowering usually when they are 4 or more weeks old

IMO I would turn your lights on 24/0 or get a timer (your going to need one for flowering anyways) and set it to 18/6 and let them grow for another week or 2 too get bigger and stronger and to let them get use to a constant light source. Then set your timer for 12/12 (12hr on 12 hr off ) to induce flowering. Also get the lights as close as 2"to 3" from the top of your plants

As for your worry about burning down the house. CFL's produce so little heat you have nothing to worry about ( you could place a paper towel directly on one for days and it won't burn )

GL and Happy growing