diff --git a/src/network/bridge_driver.c b/src/network/bridge_driver.c
index 4fc4c9a66b..8de7a5920a 100644
--- a/src/network/bridge_driver.c
+++ b/src/network/bridge_driver.c
@@ -1252,7 +1252,7 @@ networkBuildDhcpDaemonCommandLine(virNetworkObjPtr network,
     int ret = -1;
     char *configfile = NULL;
     char *configstr = NULL;
-    char *leaseshelper_path;
+    char *leaseshelper_path = NULL;
 
     network->dnsmasqPid = -1;