Deputies were called out just before 3 am Thursday to Avenue 9 in the area of Lanes Bridge and Highway 41.
When they arrived, deputies found a deceased man who was still on fire in the roadway along with a woman.
"Unfortunately, as part of law enforcement, we do see victims that have been burned," said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue.
"There are other reports of things like this have happened, but it's so extremely rare and it's even more rare that someone lights a person that is alive on fire and certainly in the middle of the street."
Deputies temporarily shut down the eastbound lane of Children's Boulevard for the investigation, later reopening the road just after 10 am.
"I'm sure the community members that happened to drive by this time were absolutely horrified and shocked at what they saw," said Sheriff Pogue.
"I can't imagine being just an innocent civilian driving by and witnessing something like this."
Nearby, Valley Children's Hospital said none of its operations were impacted.
The hospital was prepared in case the road closure affected families arriving for morning appointments.
"The initial report is that the persons were married. The initial report was that a woman had set her husband on fire," explained Sheriff Pogue.
"At this point, we're still trying to confirm the relationship."
The sheriff's office unclear if there was a history of domestic violence between the two.
"Nationally, they say 1-in-4 men experience domestic violence over their lifetime. It's not uncommon as people think," said Nicole Linder, the CEO of the Marjoree Mason Center.
"I think it's just not something as easily reported and not something people share very often."
The man has not been identified.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriff's Office.
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