diff --git a/code/modules/assembly/igniter.dm b/code/modules/assembly/igniter.dm
index fc193a82c41..d3b3f3b63dd 100644
--- a/code/modules/assembly/igniter.dm
+++ b/code/modules/assembly/igniter.dm
@@ -36,7 +36,8 @@
 	var/turf/location = get_turf(loc)
 	if(location)
 		location.hotspot_expose(heat, EXPOSED_VOLUME)
-	SEND_SIGNAL(holder.loc, COMSIG_IGNITER_ACTIVATE)
+	if(holder)
+		SEND_SIGNAL(holder.loc, COMSIG_IGNITER_ACTIVATE)
 	if(QDELETED(src))
 		return TRUE
 	sparks.start()