diff --git a/src/engine/net/client/handlers/PlaceAssetMsgHandler.java b/src/engine/net/client/handlers/PlaceAssetMsgHandler.java
index b8bc48db..70fecbb3 100644
--- a/src/engine/net/client/handlers/PlaceAssetMsgHandler.java
+++ b/src/engine/net/client/handlers/PlaceAssetMsgHandler.java
@@ -496,6 +496,7 @@ public class PlaceAssetMsgHandler extends AbstractClientMsgHandler {
 
         Zone serverZone;
         City cityObject;
+        Bane bane;
         PlacementInfo buildingList;
 
         // Retrieve the building details we're placing
@@ -534,7 +535,9 @@ public class PlaceAssetMsgHandler extends AbstractClientMsgHandler {
 
         // A rebuilt warehouse would orphan the destroyed warehouse's loot
 
-        if (cityObject.getBane() != null) {
+        bane = cityObject.getBane();
+
+        if (bane != null) {
             PlaceAssetMsg.sendPlaceAssetError(origin, 1, "Cannot place a warehouse during an active bane.");
             return false;
         }