diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
index 8d2d69a654f..09600d09ed6 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system.dm
@@ -201,7 +201,8 @@ steam.start() -- spawns the effect
 					sleep(5)
 					step(sparks,direction)
 				spawn(20)
-					sparks.delete()
+					if(sparks)
+						sparks.delete()
 					src.total_sparks--