The current models of zoo med pads are low density heaters. They simply do not get stupid hot like the old ones did, I would not worry overly about a fire, I have not had a new zoo med get over 100ºF. Use the little spacers to allow air to flow under the pad to prevent thermal blocking. This should be fine.
The probe also should pose little issues if the room is warm. If the room is cool you are likely to have cool end temp problems ambient temp issues and even too cool hot spots as the gaps will prevent the heat from penetrating the tub. this is the down side of tubs they heat fast but they cool fast and are thermally very poor insulators and lose heat as fast as you can put it in. This is why the room becomes a part of the temp controls for the tub.
Are you getting a baby snake? This is a large tub for a little one. I believe an experienced keeper can easily use a large tub but an inexperienced one is better with a smaller tub often a 'shoe box' type or a bit bigger.
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