do you think that would cause a fire? can hot air do that? i think your ocd is showing up again! 

I'm not sure the magazines would be ignited, but I do worry about it, yes. 
Yes, fires can start that way.
What kind of heating do you have? Could a small investment in a thermostat make a difference? Enabling you to lower the heating in your room? Would save your landlady a lot on heating-costs

, she might be willing to participate in getting a thermostat installed.