diff --git a/src/plugins/splash/space-flares/plugin.c b/src/plugins/splash/space-flares/plugin.c
index 1ae602cf..a2cb7349 100644
--- a/src/plugins/splash/space-flares/plugin.c
+++ b/src/plugins/splash/space-flares/plugin.c
@@ -269,6 +269,7 @@ create_plugin (ply_key_file_t *key_file)
   plugin->sprites = ply_list_new();
   plugin->progress = 0;
   plugin->progress_target = -1;
+  free(image_dir);
   return plugin;
 }