The American Red Cross is attempting to deflect criticism over its management practices after news broke in San Diego on Thursday that the organization spent $688,000 for hotel rooms that went unused by relief volunteers during October’s wildfires, reports The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Laura Howe, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said, “The fault in this clearly lies with us. The bottom line is our people should have recognized the unused room nights and canceled them more quickly than we did.”

The organization has been negotiating with hotel and motel operators to secure rebates and room credits and says it plans to take $688,000 from its general operating funds to reimburse its account for Southern California fire victims, many of whom were unable to find lodging during the wildfires when area lodgings were booked.

Ms. Howe said that new procedures have been adopted to make sure that situation does not happen again.