diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
index e16ab96f7aa..f3d6b78a609 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
@@ -325,7 +325,8 @@ steam.start() -- spawns the effect
 					sleep(10)
 					step(smoke,direction)
 				spawn(75+rand(10,30))
-					smoke.delete()
+					if(smoke)
+						smoke.delete()
 					src.total_smoke--