Officials say he's suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
California Highway Patrol officers were responding to the northbound lanes of 99 near Clovis Avenue for reports of a "blacked out" Mitsubishi Galant blocking the middle lane of traffic.
Investigators say before officers arrived, the suspect Jose Garcida hit the vehicle.
The Mitsubishi with a 28-year-old woman inside caught fire.
She did not survive.
Garcida was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Officials say upon his release, Garcida will be charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol.
Investigators believe the Mitsubishi was likely involved in another crash before Garcida hit it.